1 Samuel 3
R.C. Sproul · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 3
Sproul - Samuel Meets God 1 SAMUEL 3:1–14 Now the LORD came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears” (1 Sam. 3:10). In 1 Samuel 2, God sent a prophet, a “man of God,” to convey a message to Eli. Here in 1 Samuel 3, He sends another messenger—Samuel, a “boy of God,” as it were—with another communication for the priest. Samuel does not yet know the Lord (v. 7); although he loves God, he has not been used as His conduit of revelation before. That is about to change. God is about to make Samuel His prophet. The God of Israel is about to end His silence. It is late in Eli’s life—he is old and nearly blind. And it is late one night—Eli has gone to bed and Samuel is sleeping nearby, apparently within the tabernacle itself. We are told that the lamp of God in the tabernacle has not gone out. This may be a comment about the time of day—the lamp is to be kept burning continually, but perhaps the priests have become inattentive to this command and typically let it burn overnight. Or the author may be setting this incident in its historical context, indicating that the tabernacle is still functioning and has not yet been destroyed by Israel’s enemies. In any case, Samuel is pulled from his bed by the sound of someone calling his name. As far as he knows, Eli is the only person who would call, so he goes to the old man’s bed to see what he needs. But Eli denies that he called and sends Samuel back to bed. Three times this happens, and only then does Eli realize what is happening, that God is calling the boy. Perhaps it is humiliating to him, the high priest, to be bypassed by God in favor of a small boy, and yet he willingly instructs Samuel as to what to do should the call come again. Eli seems to know that the word of God is more important than its channel. God Himself then comes and stands, perhaps in visible form, within the tabernacle, and repeats His call, doubling it for emphasis: “ ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ ” And Samuel, summoning his courage, replies as Eli suggested: “ ‘Speak, for Your servant hears.’ ” The message he then hears is that Eli should prepare himself, for the judgment of God on his house is near at hand. As we have seen, it is a judgment against Eli’s sons, who have “ ‘made themselves vile,’ ” and against Eli for not restraining them. God already has passed judgment and is prepared to execute His sentence. And when He does, “ ‘both ears of everyone who hears it will tingle,’ ” for His hand will be evident. CORAM DEO Samuel did not yet know God when God first came to him. But God knew him even before Hannah asked for him, and He knew the future that lay ahead of Samuel. God our Creator knows us all, and if we know Him it is because He has revealed Himself to us. If you know Him, thank Him that He has graciously made that possible. For further study: 1 Sam. 28:6 • Pss. 74:9; 119:20 • Jer. 29:11 • Amos 8:11–12 1 Samuel 3:10 A Clear Call When George Washington Carver was a student at Iowa Agricultural College (now Iowa State University), he and a friend planned to go as missionaries to Africa. But as his agricultural studies progressed, Carver, a devout Christian, began to sense a different calling from God. When Booker T. Washington asked him to join the faculty of Tuskegee Institute in Alabama, Carver made it a matter of earnest prayer. In 1896, Carver wrote to Washington: "It has been the one ideal of my life to be of the greatest good to the greatest number of my people possible, and to this end I have been preparing myself for these many years." He pledged to do all he could through the power of Christ to better the conditions of African-Americans in the racially segregated South. Carver's sensitive heart and willing obedience to God bring to mind the experience of Samuel. Under the guidance of Eli the priest, Samuel responded to God's voice by saying, "Speak, for Your servant hears" (1 Samuel 3:10). Oh, make me, Lord, so much like Thee, My life controlled by power divine, That I a shining light may be From which Thy grace may ever shine. —Robertson A life lived for God leaves a lasting legacy. The Lure Of A Message Speak, for Your servant hears. — 1 Samuel 3:10 Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 You’re sitting in a darkened theater enjoying a concert, a play, or a film, when suddenly a smartphone screen lights up as a person reads an incoming text and perhaps takes time to reply. In his book The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains, Nicholas Carr says that in our connected world, “The sense that there might be a message out there for us” is increasingly difficult to resist. Samuel was a young boy when he heard a voice call his name and thought it was Eli the priest in the tabernacle where he served the Lord (1 Sam. 3:1-7). When Eli realized that God was calling Samuel, he told the boy how to respond. When God called his name a fourth time, “Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears’” (v.10). This attentiveness to God’s voice became the pattern of Samuel’s life as “the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord” (v.21). Are we listening for God’s voice in our lives today? Are we more drawn by the vibration of a smartphone than the still, small voice of the Lord through His Word and His Spirit? May we listen, Lord, to You As You speak to us today Through Your Spirit and Your Word— Help us follow and obey. —Sper Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord. God Is Talking Years ago, an annoyed senior citizen from Richmond Heights, Missouri, hung up on President Reagan, who was trying to call him. This happened not just once, but half a dozen times! He didn't believe the operator when she insisted that the White House was calling. He was so sure it was a prank that he didn't stay on the line. But the Southwestern Bell operator and a neighbor finally convinced him it was for real. As a result, the man had the privilege of chatting with President Reagan for about 15 minutes. That incident reminded me of a call received centuries ago by a young Israelite named Samuel (1 Samuel 3:1-15). He didn't realize who was calling--even after the call was repeated. It came from one greater than a president. It was from God Himself. At first Samuel was perplexed, but when Eli told him who was trying to get through to him, he listened. Have you ever heard the Lord speaking to you? God speaks to us today through His written Word, the Bible (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and indwells us in the person of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to hear His voice (1 Cor. 2:9-16). We need to take the time each day To read God's Word and pray, And listen for what He might say To guide us on our way. --Sper God speaks through His Word to those who listen with their heart. Do You Have Your Ears On? Samuel answered, "Speak, for Your servant hears." — 1 Samuel 3:10 Today's Scripture: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 Pagers seem to be everywhere these days. People who have one of these devices clipped to their belt receive a signal when they are needed. Being able to stay in touch with their home or office can give them great peace of mind. They know that if someone wants to contact them, they can be reached anywhere and at any time. That’s the kind of open line we need to maintain with heaven. Whatever peace of mind we get from carrying a pager or cell phone is minimal compared with the confidence of knowing that when God wants to speak to us through His Word, we’re in a position to hear Him. In chapters 2 and 3 of 1 Samuel, we learn that Eli was apparently no longer in that position. He had lost his spiritual receptivity because he had tolerated evil by not restraining his two sons for their wickedness. But Samuel had been dedicated to the Lord from his childhood, and in his innocence and openness he was able to hear heaven’s message. F B
1 Samuel 3
Sproul - God’s Word Comes 1 SAMUEL 3:15–4:1A So Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground (1 Sam. 3:19). The author of 1 Samuel tells us that, having heard the words of God Himself, the boy Samuel lies down until morning. He lies down, but we can hardly imagine that he sleeps. What a whirl of emotions he must be experiencing—fear at having been in God’s presence, stunned amazement that God would speak to him, and certainly great distress that judgment against the family of his mentor is fast approaching. Quite understandably, he is afraid to tell Eli what God has revealed to him. At dawn, he goes about his regular tasks, opening the doors and such, probably hoping to avoid Eli and his questions. But it is not to be. Eli calls Samuel to him, addressing the boy as “ ‘my son’ ” and politely asking him to reveal what God said. But he also adds a common Hebrew oath: “ ‘God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you.’ ” He is calling on God to judge Samuel if he fails to reveal all that God has revealed to him. There is no indication that Samuel has thoughts of doing otherwise before Eli adds the oath, and he tells Eli all that God told him. Eli’s response is one of acceptance and submission: “ ‘It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him.’ ” With these words, the high priest implicitly acknowledges his sin and admits that he has no grounds to quarrel with God’s judgment. Having told Eli the word of God, Samuel’s first prophetic assignment is complete. It is only the first of many. The closing words of chapter 3 give us a sense of the changes that come about because of Samuel’s call. It becomes clear that God is with the boy as he grows, for He begins to reveal Himself to Samuel at Shiloh with some regularity. Presumably these are words of revelation to the Israelites as a people, for we are told that “the word of Samuel came to all Israel.” Moreover, God does not let Samuel’s utterances “fall to the ground.” In other words, his prophecies prove accurate, which is the test of a prophet (Deut. 18:21–22). Slowly the realization spreads across the nation that there is a true prophet in Shiloh. God is speaking to His people once again; the drought of revelation is over. It is as if God Himself has returned to Shiloh after an absence. No doubt this is a time of great joy for the faithful remnant in Israel, for they recognize divine revelation as the mighty blessing it is. CORAM DEO We are blessed to live at a point in redemptive history when the completed revelation of God has been collected in the canon of Scripture. We will look more closely at the subject of revelation and Scripture next week. For now, make it a point to thank God for His Word and ask Him to make you more attentive and obedient to it. For further study: Deut. 29:29 • Prov. 29:18 • Eph. 3:3–5 The Making of a Prophet SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 3 INTRODUCTION: God wants to use each person, and when we bring our children to Jesus and to church, He has a head start, as we see with the boy Samuel. In this chapter, we see: A Boy Who Ministered Before the Lord (v. 1). What did he do? Simple tasks, such as opening the gates of the tabernacle (v. 15). But he learned in childhood to be faithful in little things. A Youth Who Listened to the Lord (v. 10). Eli taught him a vital prayer: “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” A Man Who Spoke for the Lord (vv. 19–21). God let none of his words “fall to the ground.” CONCLUSION: The Lord can use us, beginning right where we are. The dilemma of obedience - Oswald Chambers And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. 1 Samuel 3:15. God seldom speaks to us in startling ways, but in ways that are easy to misunderstand, and we say, ‘I wonder if that is God’s voice?’ Isaiah said that the Lord spake to him “with a strong hand,” that is, by the pressure of circumstances. Nothing touches our lives but it is God Himself speaking. Do we discern His hand or only mere occurrence? Get into the habit of saying, “Speak, Lord,” and life will become a romance. Every time circumstances press, say, “Speak, Lord”; make time to listen. Chastening is more than a means of discipline, it is meant to get me to the place of saying, “Speak, Lord.” Recall the time when God did speak to you. Have you forgotten what He said? Was it Luke 11:13, or was it 1 Thess. 5:23? As we listen, our ear gets acute, and, like Jesus, we shall hear God all the time. Shall I tell my ‘Eli’ what God has shown to me? That is where the dilemma of obedience comes in. We disobey God by becoming amateur providences—I must shield ‘Eli’, the best people we know. God did not tell Samuel to tell Eli; he had to decide that for himself. God’s call to you may hurt your ‘Eli’; but if you try to prevent the suffering in another life, it will prove an obstruction between your soul and God. It is at your own peril that you prevent the cutting off of the right hand or the plucking out of the eye. Never ask the advice of another about anything God makes you decide before Him. If you ask advice, you will nearly always side with Satan: “Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.” (Borrow My utmost for His Highest : selections for the year : the golden book of Oswald Chambers) 1 Samuel 3:16 Then Eli called Samuel and said, "Samuel, my son." And he said, "Here I am." 1 Samuel 3 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries Then - Note progression of events in the narrative. Eli called Samuel and said, "Samuel, my son." - Notice Eli calls Samuel his son, surely expressive of his love and affection for this young priestly pupil. This must have tugged at Samuel's heart for he knew the fate that awaited Eli. And he said, "Here I am." - In spite of his visionary encounter with God, young Samuel remains humble and submissive, just as he was before the life-changing encounter with God, again giving all saints a model to imitate. Resignation- Robert Morgan (Borrow From this verse : 365 inspiring stories about the power of God's word) And he said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” 1 Samuel 3:18 Whenever our wishes contradict the Father’s will, it is wise to yield. …nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will—Matthew 26:39 …we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done”—Acts 21:14 …and if I perish, I perish—Esther 4:16 Though He slay me, yet will I trust him—Job 14:15 Teach me to do your will—Psalm 143:10 I do not seek my own will but the will of the Father—John 5:30 Consider also Eli’s words in 1 Samuel 3:18, for they once helped Robert Moffat through a bitter disappointment. He had fallen in love with his employer’s daughter, Mary Smith. He wanted to propose, and she wanted to accept. They dreamed of serving the Lord together in South Africa. But they lived in the days when missionaries regularly fell in distant, unmarked graves. Robert’s parents, though apprehensive, were willing to let him go. But Mary’s parents refused. They could not relinquish their daughter, they said, nor bring themselves to give consent. Robert’s heart was rent. Should he marry his beloved and remain in Scotland? Or should he surrender to God’s will? He wrote his parents with the answer: From the clearest indications of His Providence, He bids me go out alone, and He who appoints crosses and disappointments also imparts resignation and grace sufficient unto the day. So I am bold to adopt the language of Eli and say, “It is the Lord, let Him do what seemeth Him good.” * So on October 18, 1816, Robert and Mary tore themselves apart, and Robert boarded ship, alone and grief-stricken. But the story ends happily. Three years later, Mary’s parents surrendered her to the Lord’s keeping and allowed her to join Robert in Africa. The two were married at last, and walked hand-in-hand in remarkable missionary service for the next fifty years. Today’s Suggested Reading 1 Samuel 3:1–19 1 Samuel 3:17 He said, "What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you." Please do not hide it from me: Ps 141:5 Da 4:19 Mic 2:7 May God: 1Sa 20:13 Ru 1:17 2Sa 3:35 19:13 1Ki 22:16 Mt 26:63 1 Samuel 3:17 A Private Enquiry - Spurgeon 1 Samuel 3 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries ELI'S REQUEST AND ADMONISHMENT He said, "What is the word that He spoke to you? Please do not hide it from me - Recall the "word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent." Eli was eager to hear a Word from the LORD. He knew enough about Jehovah, that the LORD's triple call of young Samuel had some significance. May God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the words that He spoke to you - Eli gives Samuel a little "motivation" to tell him the Word from Yahweh. NET - "God will judge you severely if you conceal from me anything that he said to you!" Whether it is true or not that God would judge Samuel, this pointed statement surely put some "holy fear" in the heart of young Samuel, for he knew the tenor of all the words God had spoken! There is a hint in Eli's warning that he senses that the words God spoke to Samuel may not be good news. Keep in mind that he had heard "bad news" from the man of God in 1Sa 2:27-36 and likely feared that Samuel would confirm it. NET NOTE - Heb "So God will do to you and thus he will add." The verbal forms in this pronouncement are imperfects, not jussives (COMMANDS), but the statement has the force of a curse or warning. One could translate, "May God do to you and thus may he add." May God do so to you is a familiar oath formula as in Ru 1:17; 1Sa 14:44; 1Sa 20:13; 1Sa 25:22; 2Sa 3:9, 35; 2Sa 19:13; 1Ki 2:23; 2Ki 6:31. Eli (or whoever speaks these words) calls for a terrible fate to befall one if the oath is not fulfilled. 1 Samuel 3:18 So Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, "It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him." It is the Lord: Ge 18:25 Jdg 10:15 2Sa 16:10-12 Job 1:21 2:10 Ps 39:9 Isa 39:8 La 3:39 1Pe 5:6 1 Samuel 3 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries THE YOUNG PROPHET SPEAKS GOD'S WORDS So - Term of conclusion. Samuel deduces it is best to speak up! Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him - Samuel functioned as God's mouthpiece and told all, neither adding to or taking away from what Yahweh had told him. This was his first "trial run" as the prophet of Jehovah. Undoubtedly this first prophetic announcement would have been one of his most difficult because of his relationship with Eil who had been like a father to him. THOUGHT- Bringing a message of judgment is never easy! Believers have the ultimate message of judgment that failure to believe in Jesus will result in eternal punishment in hell. This is a very hard message. Little wonder that some well-known evangelical writers have sought to lessen the intent of Jesus' words on hell (words He warned with frequently - cf twice in one verse - Jn 8:24). This message is one that should bring us to the point of tears when warn people of this horrible (but just) judgment! And he said, "It is the LORD; let Him do what seems good to Him - To old Eli's credit, here he seems to receive the severe rod of discipline with grace, although some suggest he was simply fatalistic. I prefer the former interpretation. He had somewhat of a Job-like response " The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21)