1 Samuel 3:3

And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God [was], and Samuel was laid down [to sleep];

And ere the lamp {H5216} of God {H430} went out {H3518} in the temple {H1964} of the LORD {H3068}, where the ark {H727} of God {H430} was, and Samuel {H8050} was laid down {H7901} to sleep;

The lamp of God had not yet gone out; and Sh'mu'el had lain down to sleep in the sanctuary of ADONAI, where the ark of God was.

Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.

and the lamp of God was not yet gone out, and Samuel was laid down to sleep, in the temple of Jehovah, where the ark of God was;

Commentary

1 Samuel 3:3 sets the scene for one of the most significant divine encounters in the Old Testament: God's call to the young Samuel. This verse paints a vivid picture of the time and place, laden with symbolic details that underscore the spiritual atmosphere of Israel.

Context

This verse describes the precise moment just before God first speaks directly to Samuel. The setting is the tabernacle at Shiloh, referred to here as the "temple of the LORD," which served as the central place of worship for Israel before the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. It was a time of spiritual decline in Israel, as noted in 1 Samuel 3:1, where prophetic visions were rare. The phrase "ere the lamp of God went out" signifies the deep hours of the night, just before dawn, as the lamp in the Holy Place of the tabernacle was designed to burn continually from evening until morning (Exodus 27:20). Samuel, a young boy dedicated to God by his mother Hannah, was serving under the aging High Priest Eli and was sleeping nearby, likely in a chamber within the tabernacle complex, close to the most sacred objects of Israel.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Proximity: The mention of "the lamp of God" and "the ark of God" emphasizes that Samuel was in the very presence of God's dwelling place. The Ark of God, representing God's throne and covenant presence among His people, was central to Israel's worship and identity.
  • A Time of Transition: The "lamp of God" nearing extinction can symbolize the spiritual dimness of the era, particularly the failing priesthood of Eli and his corrupt sons. Yet, it is precisely at this liminal moment—between night and day, and between spiritual decline and renewal—that God chooses to initiate a new work through Samuel.
  • God's Initiative: God speaks to Samuel while he is asleep, highlighting that God's call is sovereign and does not depend on human readiness or activity, but on His divine purpose.
  • Samuel's Availability: Despite his youth, Samuel's dedication and humble service within the tabernacle positioned him to hear and respond to God's voice, setting the stage for his prophetic ministry.

Linguistic Insights

The term "temple of the LORD" (Hebrew: heikal Yahweh) here refers to the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as the central place of worship for Israel before the permanent Temple in Jerusalem. While not a fixed stone structure like Solomon's later Temple (Exodus 25:8), it was the designated holy dwelling place of God's presence, signifying its sacred importance.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that God can speak at unexpected times and in unexpected places. Even in what might seem like a spiritually dim or mundane period, God is active and seeking to raise up those who will hear and obey His voice. Samuel's humble availability, even in sleep, teaches us the importance of being attentive to God's presence in our daily lives. God's call often comes when we are at rest or least expect it, demonstrating that His plans are initiated by Him, not by our striving. Our role is to cultivate a heart ready to say, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth" (1 Samuel 3:10).

Note: Commentary was generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please remember that only the commentary section is AI-generated. The main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are sourced from trusted and verified materials.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 27:20

    ¶ And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always.

  • Exodus 27:21

    In the tabernacle of the congregation without the vail, which [is] before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the LORD: [it shall be] a statute for ever unto their generations on the behalf of the children of Israel.

  • Leviticus 24:2

    Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually.

  • Leviticus 24:4

    He shall order the lamps upon the pure candlestick before the LORD continually.

  • Psalms 27:4

    One [thing] have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.

  • Psalms 5:7

    ¶ But as for me, I will come [into] thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: [and] in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.

  • Psalms 29:9

    The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of [his] glory.
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