I Samuel 3 Devotional
by Pastor Mark Hudson

            We could label this chapter the calling of Samuel since the word call appears 11 times in this chapter.  As exciting as Samuel’s appearance is for the nation of Israel, we are also saddened to see Eli’s end of life failures.  God is speaking to a 12-year-old (or so) instead of Eli.  After reading the scathing denunciation of Eli’s sons we understand but why God followed through with His warnings.

            In chapter 3, Samuel’s name begins the story.  We will hear his name 17 times in this chapter.  He is ministering to the Lord under the tutelage of Eli.  Verse one reminds us that this is a time of judgment for Israel.  It is not good when we do not hear from God. 

            Eli is lying down as is Samuel.  Eli’s eyesight “had begun to grow dim” which is true for his life and ministry.  In fact, it takes Eli a while to “see” that God was calling Samuel.  He could not “see” what to do about his sons.  The lamp of God was as dim as Eli’s eyes in v. 3.

            We then see from vs. 4-9, the repetition of God’s calling to Samuel.  Samuel is loyal, obedient and Eli sees things about as well as did in 1:14.  We are told in v. 7, that Samuel “did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.”  But how quickly that was going to change.  When he hears, for the first time, the word of the Lord he begins to understand why the word of the Lord is sometimes called a burden.

            Finally, after three times of Samuel coming to Eli, Eli recognizes the dynamic.  He instructs Samuel on what to say undoubtedly recognizing that in normal circumstances Eli would have received messages from God. 

            In v. 10, God calls him with “Samuel! Samuel!” stressing the urgency of this message. What follows is a word of judgment on the house of Eli.  God is cleaning “house” to prepare for a new leader.  God reminds Samuel that He has been speaking to Eli about his sin v. 12.  God tells Samuel Eli knows all this but places His sons before God (2:29ff; 3:13).  God’s word is not conditional but firm.  This was no word of Jonah where there was hope of repentance. Sadly, the first words from God to Samuel were clear and decisive against Eli’s sin. 

            “Samuel lay until morning” which means his eyes were wide open and his heart racing.  He didn’t sleep a wink, I am sure.  Of course, as v. 15, he was afraid to tell Eli.  But Eli was having none of that.  In v. 17 he repeats twice  to tell him and not withhold the information with a semi-curse in the middle “May God do so to you and more” which must have settled the issue for Samuel. 

            Eli is often used to talk about bad parenting.  And he wasn’t a good parent.  But we find several leaders whose sons did not turn out the way we would expect.  Samuel and David are notable examples.  But in Eli’s case, his biggest sin was idolatry. If God is second, you are an idolater.  If God gives you a gift: a spouse, a child, ministry, a nice home, etc. and that is first, no matter how close God is to being almost number one, you are committing idolatry. 

            It is easy to jump all over Eli.  The narrator forces you to “see” what Eli could not.  But it is harder to “see” our own sin.  I am about as perceptive as Eli about my own sins even though they are plain as day to those around me.  Like Eli, I can confront others (1:14) but fail to confront myself.  I see what I want.  I am blind to what I ought to see. 

            We don’t want to put up with sin like Eli did.  The sin of his sons had horrible ramifications.  In 2:12, they made a mockery of worship and sacrifice, ruining the experience of worship for many.  In 2:22, the sexual exploits of his sons were known to him. “. . . he kept hearing all that his sons were doing to all Israel . . . .”  People repeatedly told him about how insidious these sins were to the nation.  Just imagine if our church had a reputation like that.  How harmful that would be to the gospel.  Well, I can rationalize my own sin.  I have every excuse in the book.  Compared to your sins, mine are small and understandable.  Yours are inexcusable and extremely pernicious.  There is no excuse for your sin.   The truth is: your sin is none of my business. My sin is where God has his finger on and where He wants to clean up.

            Samuel was faithful to his calling.  God called Him to speak up and He did.  Samuel held nothing back by telling Eli what was coming.  That took courage.  Samuel was dedicated to God before he was born, and his entire life was of service to God.  He is an example to us to serve God no matter what others are doing around us.  We are to be faithful.

            Father, when others around me sin, I grumble.  When others are not faithful, I question why I should remain obedient.  Help me to learn from Samuel who points to You.  Help me to learn from Eli and not put up with sin that I know is wrong.  When I harbor and protect the sin You are trying to expose help me to admit my sin, reject it, and place You first place where You belong.  Help me to follow the Lord Jesus who did right, was obedient, and faithful no matter what others around Him said or did.  In Christ’s name.  Amen.