Samuel’s Call and Prophetic Commission

1 Samuel 3 is a pivotal chapter that describes the divine call and commissioning of Samuel as a prophet to Israel. It marks a significant transition in Israel’s history, as God begins to speak directly through His chosen prophet, setting the stage for the nation’s future leadership and kingship.

The Setting of Samuel’s Call

• Samuel’s Ministry Under Eli: The chapter opens by noting that Samuel is ministering under Eli at the tabernacle in Shiloh. It emphasizes that words from the Lord were rare at that time, highlighting the period of spiritual drought (1 Samuel 3:1).
• The Call: Samuel hears his name being called while he is lying down in the temple. Mistaking the voice for Eli’s, he runs to Eli three times. Eli, realizing that the Lord is calling the boy, instructs Samuel on how to respond: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:2-10).

The Content of God’s Message

• Divine Revelation: When Samuel responds to God’s call, God reveals to him that He is about to carry out His earlier prophecy against Eli’s family, due to Eli’s sons’ blasphemies and Eli’s failure to restrain them. This message signifies Samuel’s initiation into his prophetic role (1 Samuel 3:11-14).
• Samuel’s Reluctance and Eli’s Response: Samuel is afraid to tell Eli the vision, but Eli insists. When Samuel tells him everything, Eli accepts the judgment with resignation, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and justice (1 Samuel 3:15-18).

Samuel’s Establishment as a Prophet

• Recognition as Prophet: The chapter concludes by stating that Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, confirming that none of his words fell to the ground. This phrase indicates that Samuel’s prophecies were fulfilled, establishing his credibility as a prophet. All of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, recognized Samuel as a prophet of the Lord (1 Samuel 3:19-21).

Theological Significance and Connection to Jesus Christ

Christological Echoes

• Samuel as a Foreshadow of Christ: Samuel’s role as a mediator between God and Israel parallels Christ’s mediating role as the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King. Like Samuel, who faithfully delivered God’s messages, Christ speaks the Father’s words and reveals His will perfectly.
• Divine Communication: The direct communication between God and Samuel prefigures the more profound revelation in Christ, who not only communicates God’s word but is the Word made flesh (John 1:1, 14).

Divine Love and Its Implications

• God’s Persistent Communication: Despite the rarity of divine messages during Eli’s time, God’s call to Samuel illustrates His ongoing commitment to guiding and loving His people through raising leaders who will obey and follow Him.

Contemporary Relevance

Why 1 Samuel 3 Still Matters Today

• Need for Spiritual Discernment: Samuel’s initial inability to recognize God’s voice is a reminder of the need for spiritual discernment in understanding and responding to God’s guidance today.
• Role of Mentorship: Eli’s role in helping Samuel recognize and respond to God’s call highlights the importance of mentorship in spiritual growth and leadership development.
• Responsibility to God’s Word: Samuel’s willingness to deliver a difficult message and Eli’s acceptance of it underscore the responsibility of believers to receive and respond to God’s Word, even when it is challenging or brings hard truths.

1 Samuel 3 not only marks a critical point in the history of Israel’s relationship with God but also provides timeless lessons on the importance of recognizing and responding to God’s call, the responsibilities of spiritual leadership, and the continuous thread of God’s redemptive work in preparing the way for Christ.