1 Samuel 3
Judgment on Eli’s Family Announced to Samuel
The rejection of Eli and the exaltation of Samuel in this section illustrate a major theme of these books introduced in Hannah’s song (2): God exalts the humble and obedient. Eli had been chosen but failed to obey. But even as a young teenager, Samuel displayed a willingness to heed the words of his God.
The Lord Called Samuel
Vs. 1 - The boy Samuel
The Hebrew word used to describe Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:1 (naar) elsewhere refers to a young teenager (1 Samuel 17:33). Consequently we should probably think of Samuel as a boy in his early teens as we read this section. Josephus wrote that Samuel was 12 years old. - Thomas Constable
Vs. 1 - In those days the word of the Lord was rare and prophetic visions were not widespread.
Most translations use the word “precious” instead of “rare” in this verse, but the intended meaning may be the same.
There were but few revelations from God and because the word was scarce, therefore it was valuable. The author of this book probably lived at a time when prophecy was frequent. There was no open vision. — There was no public accredited prophet; one with whom the secret of the Lord was known to dwell, and to whom all might have recourse in cases of doubt or public emergency. - Adam Clarke
The Iniquity of Eli’s Family
Judgment
Vs. 13 - his sons are cursing God, and he has not stopped them.
Eli’s responsibility to restrain his sons was not only or even mainly because he was their father. These were adult sons, no longer under Eli’s authority as they were when they were younger. Eli’s main responsibility to restrain his sons was as their “boss” because he was the high priest and his sons were priests under his supervision. - David Guzik
Eli did try to stop his sons (2:23-25), but apparently his words came after he had let their abuses continue too long. - Bryan E. Beyer
Vs. 14 - The iniquity of Eli’s family will never be wiped out by either sacrifice or offering.
God revealed to Samuel what He had already explained to Eli. His priestly lineage would be cut off. Constable notes that this judgment was completed by Solomon when he removed Abiathar from office.
1 Kings 2:27 - So Solomon banished Abiathar from being the Lord’s priest, and it fulfilled the Lord’s prophecy he had spoken at Shiloh against Eli’s family.
Again, it is noteworthy that there is no example in scripture of any man being punished for the sins of his father. Every man is given his own opportunity to repent or rebel. That God would continue to judge the descendents of Eli reveals that his posterity would continue to disobey in similar ways to Hophni and Phineas.
Response
Vs. 18 - Eli responded, “He is the Lord. Let him do what he thinks is good.”
Did Eli ever repent of his sin? Should he have asked for mercy? Was his response too passive? Or did it demonstrate submission to the wisdom and will of God?
It is hard to know if Eli’s response was godly or fatalistic. We should always submit to God’s rod of correction. Yet this submission is not totally passive. It is also active in repentance, and in doing what one can to cultivate a godly sorrow. - David Guzik
Samuel Was A Confirmed Prophet
Vs. 19 - Samuel grew. The Lord was with him, and he fulfilled everything Samuel prophesied.
Years passed and Samuel developed into a religious and civil leader known and respected throughout the land. In addition, he was appointed by God to carry out priestly duties even though he was not a descendant of Aaron. - Don Fleming
Since the days of Moses (some 400 years before the time of Samuel), there were not many prophets in Israel, and certainly no great prophets. At this important time in Israel’s history, God raised up Samuel as a prophet. Coming in this place in Israel’s history, Samuel is rightly seen as Israel’s last judge and first prophet. Samuel bridges the gap between the time of the judges, and the time of the monarchy when prophets (such as Nathan, Elijah, and Isaiah) influenced the nation. - David Guzik
