Bible Commentaries

The Call of Samuel

1. Precious] RM, 'rare': see Isaiah 13:12. There was no prophet then. Open] rather, 'published, widely announced': cp. 2 Chronicles 31:5.

3. Ere the lamp of God went out] The lamp ('the seven-branched candlestick') burned all night in the sanctuary, so that the time was early morning: cp. Exodus 27:21. Samuel seems to have been sleeping in some chamber near the ark. Cp. RV, 'was laid down to sleep, in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.' On the ark see Intro. § 5.

10. Came, and stood] the Voice became a Vision.

13. Made themselves vile] LXX reads 'Because his sons cursed God.' See on 2 Samuel 12:14.

15. Doors] The Tabernacle was no longer a mere tent, but at this time had been replaced by a substantial building. This was a natural consequence of its occupying a fixed position.

18. It is the Lord] So Eli was at heart loyal, though he had shown culpable weakness.

19. Let none of his words fall to the ground] i.e. accomplished all his.predictions. For the idea cp. Deuteronomy 18:21, Deuteronomy 18:22.

20. Established] i.e. accredited, approved. Prophet] see Intro. § 4.

21. In Shiloh by the word of the lord]

These words are wanting in LXX, and the connexion gains greatly by their omission.

1Samuel 41a. And the word of Samuel came to all Israel] This clause should really form the conclusion of 1 Samuel 3 as it does in RV. Samuel proclaimed to all his countrymen the revelation he had received.