1 Samuel 3:3

KJV

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];

KJV (with Strong's)

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;

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 3:3 meticulously sets the stage for God's inaugural direct communication with the young Samuel, a pivotal moment in Israel's spiritual history. This verse precisely locates the event in the Tabernacle at Shiloh, emphasizing the deep hours of the night just before dawn, symbolized by the "lamp of God" nearing extinction. It highlights Samuel's humble position as a sleeping servant within the sacred space, in intimate proximity to the "ark of God," underscoring the divine initiative in choosing a new prophet for a spiritually dim era.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the somber description of Israel's spiritual state in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord Was Rare"), where "the word of the LORD was rare" and "vision was not widespread." It also precedes the direct account of God's repeated calls to Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:4-10](/1_samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4-10 - God's Call to Samuel"). Verse 3 acts as the critical atmospheric and spatial prelude, establishing the precise conditions under which this unprecedented divine encounter occurs. It transitions from the general spiritual scarcity to the specific, intimate setting where God breaks through the silence, preparing the reader for the revelation that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the Tabernacle at Shiloh, which served as the central sanctuary for Israel before the construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem. Although functionally a "temple" (Hebrew: _heikal_), it was a portable structure, signifying God's dwelling among His people. At this time, the priesthood under Eli was in severe decline, marked by the corruption of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, as detailed in [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons"). The "lamp of God" refers to the menorah in the Holy Place, which, according to [Exodus 27:20-21](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20-21 - Command for the Lamp"), was to burn continually from evening until morning. Its near-extinction signifies the deep hours of the night, just before dawn, but also symbolically hints at the spiritual dimness and impending judgment on Eli's house. Samuel, dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, served Eli, sleeping within the sacred complex, likely in a chamber adjacent to the Holy Place, emphasizing his unique proximity to God's presence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, **Divine Presence and Proximity** is central, highlighted by Samuel's location "in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God [was]." The [Ark of God](/numbers/10-33 "Numbers 10:33 - The Ark of the Covenant"), the most sacred object in Israel, symbolized God's covenant presence and throne, emphasizing the sanctity of the space and Samuel's unique position. Secondly, the phrase "ere the lamp of God went out" underscores **A Time of Transition and Spiritual Decline**. The dimming lamp symbolizes the spiritual darkness and the failing priesthood of Eli, yet it is precisely at this liminal moment—between night and day, and between an old, corrupt order and a new, divinely appointed one—that God chooses to initiate a new work through Samuel. This points to God's **Sovereign Initiative**, as He speaks to a young boy while he is asleep, demonstrating that God's call is not dependent on human activity or readiness but on His divine purpose and timing. Finally, Samuel's dedication and humble service within the Tabernacle, even in his youth, highlight **Samuel's Availability and Receptivity**, positioning him to hear and respond to God's voice, setting the stage for his prophetic ministry.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lamp of God (Hebrew: נֵר אֱלֹהִים, _ner Elohim_):** This refers to the menorah in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle. It was commanded to burn continually from evening until morning ([Exodus 27:20-21](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20-21 - Command for the Lamp")). Its near-extinction signifies the deep hours of the night, just before dawn, when the priests would typically tend to it. Symbolically, it also represents the spiritual state of Israel—a dimming light, indicating a period of spiritual decline and the rarity of divine revelation, yet not complete darkness, suggesting a flicker of hope or an impending dawn.
* **Temple of the LORD (Hebrew: הֵיכַל יְהוָה, _heikal Yahweh_):** While the term "temple" might suggest a permanent stone structure like Solomon's later Temple, here it refers to the Tabernacle at Shiloh. The Hebrew word _heikal_ can mean "palace" or "large house," and it was used for the Tabernacle because it served as the designated dwelling place or "house" of the Lord's presence among His people. Its use emphasizes the sacredness and functional significance of Shiloh as the central sanctuary during this period.
* **Ark of God (Hebrew: אֲרוֹן הָאֱלֹהִים, _aron ha'Elohim_):** This was the most sacred object in Israelite worship, containing the tablets of the Covenant, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna. It symbolized God's covenant presence, His throne, and His power among His people. Its location within the Tabernacle's Holy of Holies (or perhaps in a more accessible part of the Tabernacle complex at Shiloh, given Samuel's proximity) underscores the profound sanctity of the space where Samuel slept and the immediate presence of the divine.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And ere the lamp of God went out":** This phrase precisely dates the event to the deep hours of the night, just before dawn. The lamp, which was to burn all night, was nearing its natural point of being extinguished or replenished. This temporal marker is pregnant with symbolic meaning, indicating a liminal space between darkness and light, and prophetically, between the spiritual dimness of Eli's era and the dawning of a new prophetic age through Samuel.
* **"in the temple of the LORD":** This specifies the sacred location as the Tabernacle at Shiloh. Samuel's presence within this holy precinct, dedicated to God's service, highlights his unique position and availability for divine encounter. It underscores that God's revelation often occurs within the context of consecrated space and dedicated service.
* **"where the ark of God [was]":** This further intensifies the sacredness of the setting. The Ark of God represented the very presence of Yahweh, His throne among His people. Samuel's proximity to this most holy object emphasizes the intimacy and profound significance of the impending divine communication. It suggests that God's voice was not distant but emanated from the very heart of His dwelling place.
* **"and Samuel was laid down [to sleep];":** This detail highlights Samuel's youth, his humble service, and his state of rest. God's call comes not when Samuel is actively seeking it or performing a religious duty, but when he is in a state of vulnerability and unconsciousness. This emphasizes the sovereign and unmerited nature of God's initiative, choosing to speak to a sleeping boy as a testament to His divine purpose, independent of human striving.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices** to establish its profound significance. **Symbolism** is paramount, with the "lamp of God" representing not only the literal time of night but also the spiritual state of Israel—a dimming light in an era of rare divine revelation. The "ark of God" serves as a potent symbol of God's immediate, covenantal presence, grounding the spiritual encounter in a tangible, sacred reality. The precise **Setting** of the Tabernacle at Shiloh, combined with the specific time "ere the lamp... went out," creates an atmosphere of quiet anticipation and liminality, perfectly preparing the reader for the extraordinary event about to unfold. There is also an element of **Foreshadowing**, as the dimming lamp subtly hints at the impending end of Eli's corrupt priestly line and the dawning of a new era of prophetic leadership under Samuel. The **Juxtaposition** of Samuel's humble, sleeping state with the profound sacredness of his surroundings (the Tabernacle and the Ark) underscores the sovereign and unexpected nature of God's call.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 3:3 powerfully illustrates the intersection of human spiritual decline and divine initiative. In an era where "the word of the LORD was rare" ([1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord Was Rare")), symbolized by the dimming lamp, God sovereignly chooses to break the silence. This verse underscores that God's ability to communicate and act is not constrained by human unfaithfulness or spiritual apathy. Instead, He often chooses moments of transition or apparent weakness to reveal His will and raise up new instruments for His purposes. Samuel's humble availability, even in sleep, serves as a profound theological statement about God's election and His capacity to call those who are simply present and receptive, rather than those who are actively striving. It emphasizes that divine revelation is a gift of grace, initiated by God's own sovereign purpose, rather than earned by human merit.

* [Exodus 27:20-21](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20-21 - Command for the Lamp")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")
* [Hebrews 4:13](/hebrews/4-13 "Hebrews 4:13 - God's Omniscience")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 3:3 invites us to reflect on the unexpected ways and times God chooses to speak. Just as God called Samuel in the deep hours of the night, when the lamp was dim and he was asleep, so too can God's voice break into our lives during periods of quiet, rest, or even spiritual uncertainty. This verse challenges the notion that we must always be actively striving or performing to hear from God. Instead, it highlights the importance of cultivating a posture of humble availability and attentiveness, a readiness to listen even when we least expect a divine encounter. Our "temple" may be our daily routines, our quiet moments, or even periods of spiritual dryness. God's lamp may seem dim in our own lives or in the broader spiritual landscape, but this verse reminds us that His presence is constant, and His word can break through at any moment, initiating a new work. Our role is to be like Samuel, positioned to hear, even in our sleep, so that when God calls, we are ready to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant hears" ([1 Samuel 3:10](/1_samuel/3-10 "1 Samuel 3:10 - Samuel's Response")).

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "liminal" or unexpected moments might God be seeking to speak to me today, perhaps when I am least expecting it?**
* **How does Samuel's humble availability, even in sleep, challenge my understanding of readiness for God's call and my approach to spiritual disciplines?**
* **What "lamps" in my life, my community, or the broader world might appear to be dimming, and how might God be preparing a new work or revelation in such a context?**

### FAQ
**What is the "lamp of God" mentioned here?**

Answer: The "lamp of God" refers to the menorah (lampstand) in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle at Shiloh. According to [Exodus 27:20-21](/exodus/27-20 "Exodus 27:20-21 - Command for the Lamp"), this lamp was commanded to burn continually from evening until morning. Its mention here signifies the deep hours of the night, just before dawn, when the lamp would naturally be at its lowest point before being tended to by the priests. Symbolically, it also suggests the spiritual dimness and scarcity of divine revelation during this era in Israel's history.

**Why is the Tabernacle called "the temple of the LORD" in this verse?**

Answer: While the permanent stone Temple in Jerusalem was not built until Solomon's reign, the Tabernacle at Shiloh served as the central, designated dwelling place of God's presence for Israel during this period. The Hebrew word used, _heikal_, can mean "palace" or "large house," and it was functionally the "house" or "temple" of the Lord where divine presence was manifested and worship was conducted. Thus, calling it the "temple of the LORD" accurately reflects its sacred status and central role in Israelite worship at that time.

**What is the significance of Samuel sleeping near the Ark of God?**

Answer: The Ark of God was the most sacred object in Israel, representing God's covenant presence, His throne, and His power among His people. Samuel's proximity to the Ark, likely within a chamber adjacent to the Holy Place where the Ark resided, underscores the profound sanctity of the space and his unique position as a dedicated servant. This intimate setting highlights the direct and personal nature of God's impending communication with Samuel, emphasizing that God's voice emanated from the very heart of His dwelling place, marking Samuel as a uniquely chosen vessel.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The setting of 1 Samuel 3:3, with the "lamp of God" dimming in the "temple of the LORD" where the "ark of God" resided, profoundly foreshadows the coming of Christ. Samuel, called from a state of spiritual dimness and a failing priesthood, becomes a prophet, priest (in his service to Eli), and judge, mediating God's word to His people. This prophetic office finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the definitive Prophet, speaking the very words of God ([John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), and the ultimate High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ Our High Priest")). The "lamp of God" nearing extinction points to the spiritual darkness that permeated the world before Christ, but He comes as the true "light of the world" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")), dispelling all shadows. The Ark of God, symbolizing God's presence among His people, finds its ultimate reality in the Incarnation, where God literally "tabernacled" among us in the person of Jesus ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). God's direct communication with a sleeping Samuel, initiating a new era, prefigures the ultimate and complete revelation of God in Jesus, who is the Word made flesh, the final and perfect communication from God to humanity ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken by His Son")). The transition from a flickering lamp to a new prophetic voice in Samuel thus points to the glorious dawn brought by the Messiah, who brings not just a word, but the very presence and full light of God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

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.