1 Samuel 3:15

And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

And Samuel {H8050} lay {H7901} until the morning {H1242}, and opened {H6605} the doors {H1817} of the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}. And Samuel {H8050} feared {H3372} to shew {H5046} Eli {H5941} the vision {H4759}.

Sh'mu'el lay there until morning; then he opened the doors of the house of ADONAI. But Sh'mu'el was afraid to tell 'Eli the vision.

Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision,

And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of Jehovah. And Samuel feared to show Eli the vision.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:15 (KJV)

1 Samuel 3:15 marks a pivotal moment in the life of young Samuel, immediately following his profound encounter with God. This verse highlights his immediate obedience to duty and his natural human apprehension regarding the divine revelation he received.

Context

This verse follows the dramatic events of God calling Samuel by name in the night, a voice Samuel initially mistook for Eli's. After Eli's guidance, Samuel realized it was the LORD speaking. God then revealed a severe judgment against Eli's house due to the wickedness of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, whom Eli had failed to restrain (1 Samuel 2:12-17). The message God delivered to Samuel was incredibly weighty and specific, detailing the impending doom of Eli's priestly line (1 Samuel 3:11-14).

Samuel, a young boy serving in the tabernacle at Shiloh, was now entrusted with a message of immense consequence for his mentor and guardian, Eli, the high priest.

Key Themes

  • Obedience and Routine: Despite a life-altering divine encounter, Samuel faithfully returned to his daily duties, "opened the doors of the house of the LORD." This demonstrates his foundational commitment to service and the importance of consistent obedience, even when extraordinary events unfold.
  • The Burden of Prophetic Truth: Samuel's fear to "shew Eli the vision" is deeply relatable. He was a young boy tasked with delivering a devastating message of judgment to his elderly and authoritative mentor. This highlights the immense responsibility and often uncomfortable nature of being a messenger of God's truth, especially when that truth is difficult to hear.
  • Human Apprehension vs. Divine Mandate: Samuel's fear was not a lack of faith but a natural human reaction to a daunting task. It underscores the gravity of the message and the respect Samuel had for Eli, even as he wrestled with the divine instruction to convey such a painful truth.
  • Transition of Authority: This moment subtly foreshadows the passing of the spiritual mantle from the failing priesthood of Eli to the emerging prophetic ministry of Samuel, who would become a faithful prophet and judge in Israel.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "house of the LORD" (Hebrew: beyt Yahweh) refers to the Tabernacle at Shiloh, the central place of worship for Israel at that time. Samuel's role included opening these doors as part of his daily service. The Hebrew word for "feared" (yare') can mean fear, dread, or reverence. In this context, it clearly denotes Samuel's apprehension and reluctance to deliver such a severe message to Eli, his elder and spiritual father.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 3:15 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Faithfulness in the Mundane: Even after experiencing a direct word from God, Samuel didn't abandon his daily responsibilities. It reminds us that spiritual experiences should deepen, not derail, our commitment to everyday duties.
  • Courage in Speaking Truth: Like Samuel, we may face situations where we must convey difficult truths, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or as witnesses to our faith. This verse acknowledges the natural fear involved but implicitly calls us to courage, knowing the message comes from God.
  • God Uses the Unlikely: God chose a young boy, Samuel, to deliver a message to the highest spiritual authority in the land. This encourages us that God can use anyone, regardless of age, experience, or perceived status, to accomplish His purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Jeremiah 1:6 (3 votes)

    Then said I, Ah, Lord GOD! behold, I cannot speak: for I [am] a child.

  • Jeremiah 1:8 (3 votes)

    Be not afraid of their faces: for I [am] with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also [do].

  • 1 Corinthians 16:11 (2 votes)

    Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

  • Malachi 1:10 (2 votes)

    Who [is there] even among you that would shut the doors [for nought]? neither do ye kindle [fire] on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

  • 1 Samuel 1:9 (2 votes)

    ¶ So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.