Why was "the word of the LORD rare" during Samuel's time? Setting the Scene: 1 Samuel 3:1 “Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. And in those days the word of the LORD was rare; visions were infrequent.” A statement of fact—God was not speaking often. The verse invites us to ask why the heavens seemed silent. A Nation Drifting from Covenant Faithfulness Judges 21:25, the closing note of the previous era, sums it up: “In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” The people had settled into a casual disregard for God’s law (Deuteronomy 28:15 warns of silence and judgment when covenant terms are ignored). Hosea 4:6 highlights what happens when knowledge of God is rejected: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Corrupt Leadership Clouding Spiritual Vision 1 Samuel 2:12: “Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.” Hophni and Phinehas abused sacrificial offerings (2:13-17) and lived immorally at the tabernacle’s entrance (2:22). Eli, though personally devout, failed to restrain them (2:23-25, 29). When spiritual leaders dishonor God, prophetic clarity dims (Micah 3:6-7). Consequences of Sin: Divine Silence Psalm 74:9 laments, “There are no signs for us to see. There is no longer a prophet.” Isaiah 59:2 explains the principle: “Your iniquities have separated you from your God… so that He does not hear.” Amos 8:11-12 pictures a “famine… of hearing the words of the LORD,” a judgment designed to awaken repentance. God’s Purpose in Withholding Revelation • To underscore the seriousness of national and priestly sin, making the people feel the weight of lost fellowship. • To deepen the hunger for genuine truth (Proverbs 29:18: “Where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.”). • To prepare the stage for a fresh, unmistakable voice—Samuel—so the contrast would be vivid and unmistakable. Hope Rekindled through Samuel • Into the silence God calls a boy whose heart is ready to listen: “Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). • Samuel becomes a faithful prophet: “The LORD let none of his words fall to the ground” (3:19). • The narrative shows that divine silence is never permanent; God restores revelation when people and leaders turn to Him in humility. Summary Points • Israel’s widespread disobedience and leader corruption caused God to withhold fresh revelation. • The rarity of God’s word was both judgment and mercy—judgment on sin, mercy in stirring longing for revival. • God broke the silence through Samuel, proving He still speaks when hearts are prepared to hear. |
    |