1 Samuel 3:1–10,17–21

Explore the Bible
Assistant Professor of Christian Ministries, University of Mobile

Called

1 Samuel 3:1–10,17–21

A Voice and A Message (1–10, 17–18)

Before discussing 1 Samuel 3 it is important to note that in 1 Samuel 2:22–36, Eli’s wicked house is decreasing in favor before the Lord — so much so that the Lord has promised to cut off Eli’s family from serving as priests (v. 31). Samuel, on the other hand, is growing “both in stature and favor with the Lord and also with man” (v. 26) and continues on this trajectory of righteousness before the eyes of the Lord in Chapter 3.

In 1 Samuel 3:1–10, God speaks to Samuel several times while resting in the tabernacle. Samuel confirms that it is the Lord speaking to him and says, “Speak, for Your servant hears” (v. 10). The message was one of judgment for Eli’s family. Rather than being resentful, Eli accepts God’s judgment, saying: “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him” (v. 18).

While God may choose to speak audibly to His people, it is important that Christians not become fixated on waiting for “a word from the Lord.” In some circles, this is called “waiting on a rhema,” based on a misunderstanding of this Greek word. Simply put, this is a faulty teaching based on a word fallacy. 

God has given humanity the Bible as the primary means of communicating with us. The Bible is God’s sufficient revelation; it is all we need for life and godliness. As Paul says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16–17). 

This is what theologians call the doctrine of “the sufficiency of Scripture.” 

Taking this teaching seriously, we should value knowing God’s written Word above waiting for a supernatural revelation from the heavens. 

A Prophet (19–21)

As Samuel continues to grow, the Lord remains with him and he is recognized as a prophet. A prophet in the Old Testament is one who speaks on behalf of God, proclaims truth unapologetically and calls people to repentance. Samuel’s status as prophet is confirmed by God’s people (v. 20).

Samuel stands in a long line of Old Testament prophets, such as Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel. The prophets’ ministries pointed to the prophet that God’s people had been anticipating for some time. 

In Deuteronomy 18:18, God says to Moses: “I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers. And I will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I commanded them.” 

Centuries after Moses penned Deuteronomy, the expected prophet, Jesus Christ, arrived. He fulfills the role of one who speaks on God’s behalf, telling His people: “I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). 

This is the prophetic word that everyone must hear. This is the word that everyone must believe.

Are you looking for a prophet? Are you looking for a word from God? Look no further than Jesus, God’s word made flesh (John 1), the prophet par excellence. 

All other prophets and so-called prophetic words will disappoint you. Jesus will never disappoint and His words will never fail. 

So place your trust in Him.