1 Samuel 3:1

¶ And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.

And the child {H5288} Samuel {H8050} ministered {H8334} unto the LORD {H3068} before {H6440} Eli {H5941}. And the word {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} was precious {H3368} in those days {H3117}; there was no open {H6555} vision {H2377}.

The child Sh'mu'el continued ministering to ADONAI under 'Eli's direction. Now, in those days ADONAI rarely spoke, and visions were few.

And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare and visions were scarce.

And the child Samuel ministered unto Jehovah before Eli. And the word of Jehovah was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision.

Commentary

1 Samuel 3:1 introduces the spiritual landscape of Israel during the early life of Samuel, a pivotal figure in the nation's history. This verse sets the stage for God's direct communication with Samuel, highlighting a period of spiritual scarcity and the rarity of divine revelation.

Context

At this time, Israel was under the leadership of Eli, the high priest, who also served as judge. While the young Samuel was ministering unto the LORD in the Tabernacle at Shiloh, the spiritual condition of the nation was dire. Eli's own sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt priests who disregarded the LORD and His sacrifices, leading to a general decline in reverence for God among the people. The phrase "no open vision" underscores this era of spiritual silence, where direct prophetic messages from God were rare, creating a deep spiritual hunger in the land.

Key Themes

  • Spiritual Scarcity: The verse explicitly states, "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision." This signifies a period when God's direct communication and prophetic guidance were infrequent, a stark contrast to later periods of abundant prophecy. It suggests a time of spiritual drought, possibly due to the unfaithfulness of the priesthood and the people.
  • Samuel's Early Devotion: Despite the surrounding spiritual darkness, the verse notes that "the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli." This highlights Samuel's unique position and early dedication to God's service, setting him apart as a vessel God would soon use to break the spiritual silence.
  • Anticipation of New Revelation: The declaration of "no open vision" builds anticipation for God's intervention. It foreshadows the dramatic events that follow in chapter 3, where God Himself initiates a direct conversation with Samuel, marking the beginning of a new era of prophetic activity.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the word of the LORD was precious" (Hebrew: יָקָר, yaqar) implies that it was rare, costly, or highly valued because of its scarcity. It wasn't readily available. "No open vision" (Hebrew: אֵין חָזוֹן נִפְרָץ, ein chazon nifratz) literally means "no widespread vision" or "no vision breaking forth." This emphasizes that prophetic revelation was not common or breaking through the spiritual atmosphere, indicating a lack of clear, public, and frequent divine communication.

Significance and Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that there are times when God's voice may seem distant. It underscores the value of divine revelation and the importance of a spiritual environment conducive to hearing God. Samuel's faithfulness amidst spiritual decline teaches us that God can raise up individuals even in challenging times to restore His communication with His people. For us today, it encourages seeking God's word diligently, whether through Scripture, prayer, or the guidance of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that His word is always invaluable. It also highlights God's sovereignty in choosing when and through whom He speaks, often breaking through silence to accomplish His purposes, much like He did with Samuel, who became a renowned prophet in Israel.

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Cross-References

  • Amos 8:11 (16 votes)

    ¶ Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:

  • Amos 8:12 (16 votes)

    And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find [it].

  • Psalms 74:9 (13 votes)

    We see not our signs: [there is] no more any prophet: neither [is there] among us any that knoweth how long.

  • 1 Samuel 3:21 (6 votes)

    And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.

  • 1 Samuel 2:11 (6 votes)

    ¶ And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

  • 1 Samuel 2:18 (4 votes)

    But Samuel ministered before the LORD, [being] a child, girded with a linen ephod.

  • Isaiah 13:12 (1 votes)

    I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir.