Pentecost Season · Proper 4 · Year B
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20)
The Lord Calls Samuel
May 30, 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
A Luther Seminary commentary tracing Samuel's move from confusion to the answer of a listening servant as the word of the Lord returns to Israel.
1 Samuel 3:1-10, (11-20) Center for Excellence in Preaching
A Reformed commentary comforting those who fear missing God's call, since even Samuel needed Eli's help to recognize the voice.
1 Samuel 3 Enduring Word · David Guzik
A verse-by-verse evangelical commentary on the night calls, Eli's counsel, and Samuel's confirmation as a prophet.
1 Samuel 3 verse by verse Precept Austin
A deep study page compiling Hebrew word studies, cross-references, and many expositors on the chapter.
Classic commentaries on 1 Samuel 3:1 BibleHub
A classic aggregator stacking Barnes, Gill, Ellicott, and other historic commentators verse by verse.
Background & Word Study
1 Samuel Enter the Bible
A Luther Seminary book introduction to 1 Samuel's move from the judges to the monarchy that frames Samuel's call.
1 Samuel 3 in Hebrew, with Jewish commentary Sefaria
The Hebrew text with English translation and linked Jewish commentary for word-level study of the call narrative.
1 Samuel 3:1 interlinear BibleHub
The Hebrew text word by word with parsing and Strong's numbers for close study of the passage.
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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