What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:10? Then the LORD came • The text presents a real, personal visitation—God Himself initiates the encounter, just as He did with Abraham at Mamre (Genesis 18:1) and with Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4). • God breaks the nighttime silence of Shiloh, showing that He is never distant from His covenant people even when their leadership is failing (compare 1 Samuel 2:12–17). • The scene underscores that revelation is God’s gracious choice, not human achievement (John 1:14; James 1:17). and stood there • “Stood” conveys settled presence, not a fleeting voice—echoing moments when the Angel of the LORD “stood” before Balaam (Numbers 22:35) or when the glory cloud “stood” at the tent of meeting (Exodus 33:9). • God positions Himself near the boy, affirming intimacy and accessibility despite divine holiness (Psalm 34:18; Hebrews 4:16). • The posture highlights accountability: when the LORD stands, He is both witness and judge (Amos 9:1). calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” • Repetition signals urgency and affection, just as with “Abraham, Abraham” (Genesis 22:11) and “Moses, Moses” (Exodus 3:4). • The phrase “as before” ties this call to the three prior calls (1 Samuel 3:4-8), driving home God’s patience with youthful misunderstanding. • God knows Samuel’s name; divine calling is always personal (Isaiah 43:1; John 10:3). And Samuel answered • Response is the turning point of revelation; hearing must become answering (Isaiah 6:8; Acts 9:6). • Though young, Samuel models the posture every believer should take: readiness over reluctance (Psalm 27:8). • His answer contrasts with Eli’s earlier dullness (1 Samuel 2:29)—God’s work often advances through the humble rather than the prominent (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” • Samuel declares willingness to receive whatever God says, mirroring the servant-heart extolled in Psalm 40:6-8 and fulfilled perfectly by Christ (Philippians 2:7-8). • Listening implies obedience; true hearing of God’s word leads to doing it (James 1:22; Luke 11:28). • The statement becomes a pattern for devotional life: prioritize God’s voice over noise, anticipate direction, and submit to it (Luke 10:39; John 14:23). summary 1 Samuel 3:10 records a literal, personal encounter in which the LORD physically presents Himself, patiently repeats Samuel’s name, and receives a humble, obedient response. The verse teaches that God still pursues intimate communication with His people, that He values responsive hearts over religious position, and that genuine listening always prepares the ground for faithful action. |
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