The Bible tells us that Samuel received his first revelation and prophecy from God when he was a young boy. In those days, the word of the Lord was rare and there was no revelation (1 Samuel 2:1). At that time, the Lord called Samuel three times. But Samuel didn’t know that God was calling him. So, he went to Eli.
Then, Eli realized what was taking place and told Samuel to respond to the Lord if he called again. Elie perceived after being warned previously by God (1 Samuel 2:27-36) that He was preparing another person to take his place. Then, “the LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening'” (1 Samuel 3:10).
God’s message to Samuel
To Samuel, the Lord gave the following message: “Behold, I will do something in Israel at which both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever” (1 Samuel 3:11-13).
The next day, Elie asked Samuel what God has revealed to him. And Samuel told him everything (1 Samuel 3:11–18). Eli accepted God’s sentence for he knew it was just. Samuel lived for years in an evil environment, and could not help see the difference between the instructions given in the Scriptures with the lives of the wicked sons of Elie (1 Samuel 2:12). And he probably wondered: why does God allow the wicked to continue ministering in His holy office? So, the Lord revealed to him that He will soon cleanse His house of worship from sin.
Samuel the prophet of Israel
After the death of Eli and his sons, Samuel naturally had much to learn, but as a youth he was taught in the school of obedience to God’s call. What a joy it must have been to the Lord to find a young boy eager to know His ways and obey it. And Samuel grew physically and spiritually, and the LORD was with him and established his words. Little wonder he was accepted by the nation as a prophet when he was but a lad (1 Samuel 3: 19,20).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
