Epiphany Season · Second Sunday in Ordinary Time · Year B
1 Samuel 3:3b-10, 19
The Lord Calls Samuel
January 17, 2027
Overview & Insights
“Speak, for your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:10)
This account of God’s choice of Samuel to be his prophet complements the preceding chapter, which tells of his rejecting the house of Eli. As noted above, chapter 2 contrasts Eli and his sons with Samuel. They were rejected, while Samuel grew in favor with the Lord (2:26). That contrast continues here. Samuel, earlier pictured in a priestly role (2:18), now also assumes a prophetic office. The Lord commissions him to reiterate the Lord’s coming judgment of Eli’s house and subsequently blesses his prophetic ministry, which all Israel recognizes as legitimate. As noted earlier, the narrator seeks to establish Samuel’s prophetic credentials as part of his strategy to demonstrate the legitimacy of David’s kingship. Through Samuel the Lord renews his self-revelation to Israel. This opening of the lines of communication foreshadows the renewal of national prosperity and security that the Lord will bring about through David.
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Commentary
Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20] Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on the exact RCL Year B reading of the call of the boy Samuel.
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (13-20) Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed commentary on God breaking into Samuel's life when the word of the Lord was rare.
Enduring Word Bible Commentary 1 Samuel Chapter 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse by verse evangelical commentary on the Lord calling Samuel in the night.
1 Samuel 3 Commentary Precept Austin
In depth verse by verse study of Samuel's call with cross references and word notes.
1 Samuel 3:3 Commentaries BibleHub
Aggregated classic commentaries on the verses of Samuel's night vision.
Background & Word Study
I Samuel 3 (Hebrew and English) Sefaria
The Hebrew text of 1 Samuel 3 with English alongside for close reading of the call narrative.
1 Samuel 3:3 Hebrew Interlinear BibleHub
Word by word Hebrew with Strong's numbers for Samuel's response, Speak, for your servant hears.
Enter the Bible: 1 Samuel (Book Overview) Enter the Bible
Book introduction on Israel's move to monarchy and the roles of Samuel, Saul, and David.
The Church Fathers
Questions preachers ask
How is the boy Samuel called?
In a time when the word of the Lord was rare, God calls the sleeping boy by name; taught by Eli, Samuel answers, and the Lord raises up a prophet to all Israel.
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