Epiphany Season · 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.
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Commentary
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) Working Preacher
Luther Seminary commentary on the call of Samuel and how a divine summons runs through the fullness of human experience.
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) Center for Excellence in Preaching
Preaching notes on the boy learning to say 'Speak, for your servant is listening.'
1 Samuel 3 verse by verse Precept Austin
A deep verse-by-verse study library gathering word studies, cross references, and quotations.
Classic commentaries on 1 Samuel 3 BibleHub
Classic commentaries treating 1 Samuel 3 verse by verse.
1 Samuel 3:1-10 Enduring Word · David Guzik
An accessible verse-by-verse commentary, widely used across evangelical churches.
Background & Word Study
1 Samuel 3:1-20: Samuel's Prophetic Call Enter the Bible
Luther Seminary's passage overview laying out the call narrative's symmetrical structure.
1 Samuel 3 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew text with parallel translation and layered Jewish commentary for word study.
Overview: 1 Samuel BibleProject
An animated overview that places Samuel's call within the book's arc from judges to kingship.
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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