What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:9? Go and lie down • Eli instructs Samuel to return to the quiet place where the Lord’s voice had already broken in (1 Samuel 3:3). • Rest and stillness position the heart to hear God, echoing “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). • God often speaks in the ordinary night watches, not in frantic activity (Mark 6:46–48). he said to Samuel • Though Eli’s own walk had grown dim (1 Samuel 3:2, 13), he still serves as a spiritual mentor, much like Moses guiding Joshua (Deuteronomy 31:14–15). • God can use imperfect leaders to point others toward His voice (see 2 Timothy 2:2; Hebrews 13:7). • Samuel models teachability, submitting to elder counsel (Proverbs 1:8; 1 Peter 5:5). and if He calls you • The call is God-initiated; Samuel must wait for it rather than manufacture it (Psalm 27:14). • “If” allows for expectancy without presumption; God remains sovereign over when and how He speaks (John 3:8). • Scripture repeatedly presents divine calling as personal and repeated until understood (Exodus 3:4; John 10:3). say, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” • The response Eli teaches combines reverence (“LORD”), readiness (“speak”), and humility (“servant”)—a template for every believer (Isaiah 6:8; Acts 9:6). • Listening precedes doing; obedience grows out of hearing (Deuteronomy 5:27; James 1:22). • Surrendered availability invites further revelation, much like Mary’s “I am the Lord’s servant” (Luke 1:38). So Samuel went and lay down in his place • Immediate obedience completes the lesson; Samuel doesn’t debate or delay (Genesis 22:3). • Returning “in his place” shows faith that God knows where to find him (Psalm 139:1–3). • This simple act bridges hearing and serving, setting the stage for Samuel’s lifelong prophetic ministry (1 Samuel 3:19–21). summary Eli counsels young Samuel to posture himself quietly, await God’s sovereign call, and answer with humble readiness. Samuel’s obedient return to bed models a heart that trusts God to speak and stands prepared to act. The verse invites every believer to cultivate stillness, submit to godly guidance, recognize the Lord’s initiative, and respond, “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.” |
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