Epiphany · Second Sunday after the Epiphany · Year B
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
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.
From Sermons.com: Join Today to access the most scholarly & well written preaching resources anywhere.
Take it further
Commentary
Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20] (Working Preacher) Working Preacher
Traces Samuel's night call through eagerness, confusion, and prophetic maturing.
1 Samuel 3 Commentary: God Speaks to Samuel Enduring Word · David Guzik
Verse-by-verse evangelical treatment of the boy Samuel hearing the LORD.
1 Samuel 3 Commentary Precept Austin
Cross-referenced compilation of expositors and word studies on the chapter.
1 Samuel 3:1 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentators on the opening note that the word of the LORD was rare.
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) (Center for Excellence in Preaching) Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed preaching commentary on discerning and answering God's call.
Background & Word Study
Book of 1 Samuel Summary (Overview Video) BibleProject
Animated overview of Samuel, Saul, and David to set the reading in its book.
1 Samuel 3:1 Interlinear Bible BibleHub
Hebrew text with parsing and Strong's numbers for word-level study.
I Samuel 3 (Sefaria) Sefaria
Hebrew and English side by side with links to classical Jewish commentary.
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.
Prep at sermons.com
Ready to write?
- Full sermons on John 1:43-51
- Illustrations cleared for use in worship
- Commentary, quotes, and Bible dictionary
Trusted by pastors since 1995.
Free every Tuesday
Illustrations & Sermon Prep in your inbox
The coming Sunday’s readings, a cleared-for-use illustration, and a sermon-prep head start. One email, free.