1 Samuel 3
Warren Wiersbe · Citado em PreceptAustin
1 Samuel 3
Wiersbe - God wasn’t speaking to His people very often. The spiritual leaders were corrupt, and God’s people weren’t obeying His law anyway, so why should God say anything new to them? It was a tragic day in the nation of Israel when the living God no longer sent His people signs and prophetic messages (Ps. 74:9; Ezek. 7:26; Amos 8:11–12; Micah 3:6). The silence of God was the judgment of God. But God was about to change the situation and speak His precious Word to a young boy who would listen and obey. (From Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) Wiersbe outlines this chapter as follows - An attentive ear (1 Sam. 3:1–9) An obedient will (1 Sam. 3:10–14). A humble heart (1 Sam. 3:15–18). A godly walk (1 Sam. 3:19–21) (From Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) David
1 Samuel 3
Wiersbe - The “lamp of God” was the seven-branched golden candlestick that stood in the holy place before the veil, to the left of the golden altar of incense (Ex. 25:31–40; 27:20–21; 37:17–24). It was the only source of light in the holy place, and the priests were ordered to keep it burning always (27:20) and to trim the wicks when they offered the incense each morning and evening (30:7–8). The lamp was a symbol of the light of God’s truth given to the world through His people Israel. Alas, the light of God’s Word was burning dimly in those days, and God’s high priest was barely able to see! The Ark was there, containing the law of God (25:10–22; 37:1–9; Heb. 9:1–5), but the law was not honored by God’s people. (From Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) Walton - The menorah in the tabernacle was to remain lit all night (Ex 27:21; Lev 24:1–4), but it was never supposed to be extinguished, so the comment that it had not yet gone out would be pointless. On the other hand, we have seen that the practices at Shiloh did not necessarily follow what was stipulated in the Law. The phrase “lamp of God” is also used to refer to hope (2Sa21:17; 1Ki 11:36; 2 Kings 8:19), and that would also make sense in this context. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament)(See also image of Lamp, Lampstand) David
1 Samuel 3
Wiersbe - Samuel’s response was, “Speak, for your servant is listening” (1 Sam. 3:10, niv), and he left out the word, “Lord” (see v. 9). Why? Samuel didn’t yet have a personal knowledge of the Lord (v. 7), so he couldn’t know whose voice it was that had spoken to him. Perhaps he was being careful not to accept it as the voice of Jehovah when he had no way to be sure. (From Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) David Guzik admonishes that "We must hear from God. The preacher may speak, our parents may speak, our friends may speak, our teachers may speak, those on the radio or television may speak. That is all fine, but their voices mean nothing for eternity unless God speaks through them." R W
1 Samuel 3
Wiersbe - This was certainly a weighty message to give to a young boy, but in so doing, perhaps God was rebuking the spiritual lethargy of the adults, for to which of them could God give this message? When God can’t find an obedient adult, He sometimes calls a child. “And I will make mere lads their princes” (Isa. 3:4). Samuel didn’t know the message the unknown prophet had delivered to Eli, but the message God gave him confirmed it. (From Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) Tingle (06750)(tsalal) means to tingle, quiver, shake, then to be stunned and even confused. All 4 uses are in the context of prophecies in which God will bring calamity on His Chosen People! The Hebrew verb צָלַל, meaning quiver, shake, is used only in Hab 3:16 of lips quivering and in 1 Sam 3:11; 2 Kgs 21:12; Jer 19:3 of ears tingling, in all cases describing involuntary physiological response to bad news! The Septuagint translates tsalal in 1Sa 3:11 with the verb echeo which described something as sounding or ringing out; (1) of brass gonglike instruments that boom out, resound and used metaphorically in 1Co 13.1 resounding cymbal, clanging brass or of the sea roar (Lk 21.25) Used 4x in Scripture - 1Sa 3:11; 2Ki 21:12; Jer 19:3; Hab 3:16. 2 Kings 21:12 therefore thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, ‘Behold, I am bringing such calamity on Jerusalem and Judah, that whoever hears of it, both his ears will tingle. Jeremiah 19:3 and say, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem: thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, “Behold I am about to bring a calamity upon this place, at which the ears of everyone that hears of it will tingle. Habakkuk 3:16 I heard and my inward parts trembled, At the sound my lips quivered. Decay enters my bones, And in my place I tremble. Because I must wait quietly for the day of distress, For the people to arise who will invade us. 1 Samuel 3:12 "In that day I will carry out against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end. I will perform: 1Sa 2:27-36 Nu 23:19 Jos 23:15 Zec 1:6 Lu 21:33 1 Samuel 3 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries SPECIFIC PROPHECY AGAINST ELI AND HIS HOUSE In that day - Other versions have the time phrase "ON that day," which implies the timing would occur on a specific day and not in a time in general. Indeed, Eli's house was devastated in a single day as the story unfolds. I will carry out ("fulfill") against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from beginning to end (NET - "start to finish") - I will carry out implies Yahweh is personally involved in bringing this prophecy to fruition. He would use people (the Philistines), but as the LORD of Hosts, He is in control of armies in Heaven and on earth. Carry out conveys the sense that this would be fulfilled (ESV = "I will fulfill"). All that I have spoken refers to 1Sa 2:27-36 (see comments there). Beginning to end speaks of the degree of completeness of this prophecy. Yahweh would leave no stone unturned! What He began, He would bring to an end. There is no "wiggle room" in this prophecy, no escape from the heavy hand of the LORD for Eli and his house! The Septuagint renders "I will carry out" with the rare verb epegeiro (Acts 13:40 "aroused," Acts 14:2 "stirred up"; Isa 19:2 "I will incite Egyptians against Egyptians") which means to stir up against one, to raise against, to cause an activity to begin through provocation. The implication is that God Himself (the verb in 1Sa 3:12 is first person singular) bring judgment that would stir or shake up Eli and in a sense that proved literally true, for when he heard the judgment, he clearly was shaken, fell backwards, broke his neck and died! (1Sa 4:18+) Henry
1 Samuel 3
Wiersbe - God had chosen Samuel to be judge, priest, and prophet, so the light of truth would keep burning in Israel. All the old man could do was to wait patiently for the sword to fall. Eli had his faults as we all do, and we must appreciate his positive attitude toward young Samuel, his successor as the spiritual leader in Israel. It isn’t every veteran servant who can graciously lay down his tools and let the young apprentice take over. Until the very end of his life, Eli at least had a concern for the Ark of God and the future of the nation; and the news of Israel’s defeat and the capture of the Ark caused his death. If Eli had shown some of this concern when his sons were young like Samuel, things would have been different. (From Bible Exposition Commentary - Old Testament) Walton - The message given to Samuel is virtually the same as that pronounced by the man of God in chapter 2 (1Sa 2:27-31). The repetition of the message indicates its importance and verifies its truth. It also serves to provide affirmation of Samuel’s prophetic calling. (IVP Bible Background Commentary: Old Testament) Streams in the Desert - Borrow Streams in the desert by Mrs Charles Cowman “It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.” (1 Sam. 3:18.) SEE God in everything, and God will calm and color all that thou dost see!” It may be that the circumstances of our sorrows will not be removed, their condition will remain unchanged; but if Christ, as Lord and Master of our life, is brought into our grief and gloom, “HE will compass us about with songs of deliverance.” To see HIM, and to be sure that His wisdom cannot err, His power cannot fail, His love can never change; to know that even His direst dealings with us are for our deepest spiritual gain, is to be able to say, in the midst of bereavement, sorrow, pain, and loss, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Nothing else but seeing God in everything will make us loving and patient with those who annoy and trouble us. They will be to us then only instruments for accomplishing His tender and wise purposes toward us, and we shall even find ourselves at last inwardly thanking them for the blessings they bring us. Nothing else will completely put an end to all murmuring or rebelling thoughts.—H. W. Smith. “Give me a new idea,” I said, While musing on a sleepless bed; “A new idea that’ll bring to earth A balm for souls of priceless worth; That’ll give men thoughts of things above, And teach them how to serve and love, That’ll banish every selfish thought, And rid men of the sins they’ve fought.” The new thought came, just how, I’ll tell: ’Twas when on bended knee I fell, And sought from HIM who knows full well The way our sorrow to expel. SEE GOD IN ALL THINGS, great and small, And give HIM praise whate’er befall, In life or death, in pain or woe, See God, and overcome thy foe. I saw HIM in the morning light, HE made the day shine clear and bright; I saw HIM in the noontide hour, And gained from HIM refreshing shower. At eventide, when worn and sad, HE gave me help, and made me glad. At midnight, when on tossing bed My weary soul to sleep HE led. I saw HIM when great losses came, And found HE loved me just the same. When heavy loads I had to bear, I found HE lightened every care. By sickness, sorrow, sore distress, HE calmed my mind and gave me rest. HE’S filled my heart with gladsome praise Since I gave HIM the upward gaze. ’Twas new to me, yet old to some, This thought that to me has become A revelation of the way We all should live throughout the day; For as each day unfolds its light, We’ll walk by faith and not by sight. Life will, indeed, a blessing bring, If we SEE GOD IN EVERYTHING.” —A. E. Finn. 1 Samuel 3:19 Thus Samuel grew and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fail. grew: 1Sa 2:21 Jdg 13:24 Lu 1:80 2:40,52 the Lord: 1Sa 18:14 Ge 39:2,21-23 Isa 43:2 Mt 1:23 Lu 1:28 2Co 13:11,14 2Ti 4:22 let none: 1Sa 9:6 1Ki 8:56 Isa 44:26 1 Samuel 3 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries SAMUEL'S GROWTH AS THE PROPHET OF JEHOVAH Thus - The narrative moves on to the next encouraging scene. Samuel grew - This is the second time we see this facet (1Sa 2:21) but this time is added "the LORD was with him.". Yes, Samuel grew older and thus physically, but more important, he was growing spiritually. Samuel also grew in esteem and reputation among men (cf Josh 4:14). THOUGHT - There is a vital principle here. All our increase in wisdom and grace is owing to the presence of God with us; this is all in all to our growth. He grew famous; all that came up to Shiloh to worship took notice of him, and admired him, and talked of him when they returned home. And the LORD was with him - This statement will also be made about youthful David (1Sa 16:18; 18:12, 14). Here is the secret of Samuel's success and of every saint before or after Samuel! The LORD was with him conveys the truth that God was supernaturally energizing His young prophet (and I believe He did so by His Holy Spirit). Recall God's great Name Emmanuel-Immanuel, God with us! He was with Samuel and He is with us! This truth was the key to Samuel’s success as a prophet and is the key to any success we experience for our Lord Jesus' promised His disciples in Mt 28:19-20 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Bergen - “The Lord was with Samuel” (v19). The drumbeat of the writer is that the Lord was at work in Samuel’s life—from the moment of his conception (1Sa 1:19-20), through his early development (1Sa 2:21, 26), into his entrance into the prophetic ministry (1Sa 3:4, 6, 8, 10), and now in the maturation of that ministry. The Lord did not let Samuel’s prophetic pronouncements “fall to the ground”; the young man’s words, like those of any authentic prophet, were authoritative and trustworthy because they were the Lord’s words. Samuel’s success was in fact the Lord’s success. The New American Commentary And let none of his words fail - KJV = "fall to the ground." NET = "fell to the ground unfulfilled." Words not falling to the ground is an idiomatic way of saying all that Samuel spoke when he spoke in the sense of "Thus saith the LORD," proved true and proved him to be a true prophet of Jehovah. By fulfilling what he spoke by him God did let none of his words fall. This recalls the Mosaic test of a prophet “You may say in your heart, ‘How will we know the word which the LORD has not spoken?’ 22 “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing does not come about or come true, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken. The prophet has spoken it presumptuously; you shall not be afraid of him. (Dt 18:21-22+) Luke 1:37ASV describes the Word of God "For no word from God shall be void of power." Whatever Samuel said, as a prophet, it proved true, and was accomplished in its season. God will confirm the word of his servants, and perform the counsel of his messengers (Isa 44:26), and will do what he has prophesied and promised He will do. Matthew Henry Concise - Verses 19-21. All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the presence of God with us. God will graciously repeat his visits to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God he will honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from him they will learn to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Young children are capable of religion. Samuel is a proof that their waiting upon the Lord will be pleasing to him. He is a pattern of all those amiable tempers, which are the brightest ornament of youth, and a sure source of happiness. 1 Samuel 3:20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD. Dan: Jdg 20:1 2Sa 3:10 17:11 confirmed 1Ti 1:12 1 Samuel 3 Resources - multiple sermons and commentaries Dan north in the land of Napthali <> Beersheba south in the land of Simeon SAMUEL ATTESTED TO BE A TRUE PROPHET OF JEHOVAH All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew (yada; Lxx = ginosko = speaks of fact that they knew by experience) that Samuel was confirmed (aman; Lxx = pistos = trustworthy) as a prophet (nabiy; Lxx = prophetes - one who speaks for God) of the LORD - This distance is about 150 miles (241 km) encompassing the entire land (all 12 tribes) from North (Dan) to South (Beersheba). (cf. Jdg 20:1). Samuel’s status as a spokesman of God’s message was acknowledged by all throughout Israel. This truth makes it amazing that they did not seek him when they were defeated in battle in (1Sa 4:2), but also suggests the degree of spiritually anemic condition that had set in amongst the people of Israel. While Samuel's role as a judge was likely limited to the central region of Israel around Shiloh (Silo on map above in land of Ephraim) and his hometown of Ramah (not on map above). However, his prophetic ministry was not restricted. How did they know from North to South without email, iphones, etc? Undoubtedly his faithful and prophetic service at Shiloh (Israel’s central sanctuary) caused the visitors to the annual feasts (and any other pilgrimages to the Temple) to spread his reputation as a true prophet of Jehovah. Was confirmed means Samuel was established, attested, found "trustworthy. The Hebrew word for confirmed is aman is related to our familiar word "amen" (Mt 5:18) meaning in essence "so be it." In that sense God had made Samuel a prophet and the people of Israel said "AMEN!" The Septuagint renders confirmed with the adjective pistos meaning faithful (cf "faithful men" in 2Ti 2:2+), trustworthy, dependable and reliable. These were excellent qualities to have in a time when everyone had been doing what was right in their own eyes for the previous 300 years (Jdg 21:25)! And so for the first time since Moses, Israel had a national prophet. The last prophet God had sent during the dark 350 years of Judges was an unnamed prophet in Jdg 6:8+, but he was not a national prophet in the same way as Samuel. David