◄ 1 Samuel 3:19 ►
And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and He let none of Samuel's words fall to the ground.
Study Bible
And Samuel grew
Samuel's growth signifies not only physical maturation but also spiritual development. In the context of ancient Israel, growth often implied increasing wisdom and stature in the community. Samuel's upbringing in the temple under Eli's guidance positioned him uniquely for his prophetic role. His growth can be compared to that of Jesus, who "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (Luke 2:52).

and the LORD was with him
The presence of the LORD with Samuel indicates divine favor and guidance. This phrase echoes the covenantal promise seen throughout the Old Testament, where God assures His presence with His chosen leaders, such as Moses (Exodus 3:12) and Joshua (Joshua 1:5). It underscores Samuel's role as a prophet and leader, chosen by God to guide Israel during a tumultuous period.

and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground
This phrase signifies the effectiveness and reliability of Samuel's prophetic ministry. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a prophet's words were considered powerful and authoritative when they consistently came to pass. The imagery of words not falling to the ground suggests that everything Samuel spoke was fulfilled, affirming his role as a true prophet of God. This reliability is reminiscent of the prophetic accuracy expected of God's messengers, as seen in Deuteronomy 18:18-22. Samuel's words being upheld by God also prefigure the ultimate fulfillment of God's Word in Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Samuel
A young prophet and judge in Israel, dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah. He serves under Eli the priest and becomes a pivotal figure in Israel's history.

2. The LORD
The covenant God of Israel, who calls Samuel to be His prophet and ensures that Samuel's words are fulfilled.

3. Eli
The high priest of Shiloh, under whose guidance Samuel grows up. Eli plays a significant role in Samuel's early life and spiritual development.

4. Shiloh
The religious center of Israel at the time, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept and where Samuel serves.

5. Prophetic Ministry
The event of Samuel's calling marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry, where he becomes a reliable mouthpiece for God's word to Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Presence and Favor
Samuel's effectiveness as a prophet was directly linked to the presence of the Lord with him. In our lives, seeking God's presence is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry.

Faithfulness in Small Beginnings
Samuel's journey began with small acts of service in the temple. Faithfulness in small tasks can lead to greater responsibilities and opportunities in God's kingdom.

The Power of God's Word
The fact that none of Samuel's words fell to the ground highlights the power and reliability of God's word. We should trust and proclaim God's word with confidence, knowing it will accomplish its purpose.

Spiritual Growth and Maturity
Just as Samuel grew, we are called to grow in our spiritual walk, continually seeking to mature in our faith and understanding of God's will.

Role of Mentorship
Eli's role in Samuel's life underscores the importance of mentorship and guidance in spiritual development. We should seek and provide godly mentorship within the community of faith.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the presence of the Lord in Samuel's life compare to the promise of God's presence in the New Testament for believers today?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our words and actions align with God's will, similar to how Samuel's words did not fall to the ground?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced spiritual growth. What factors contributed to this growth, and how can you apply these lessons to your current walk with God?

4. How can we identify and nurture the gifts and callings in others, as Eli did with Samuel, within our church or community?

5. What steps can you take to be more faithful in the small tasks God has given you, and how might this prepare you for greater responsibilities in His kingdom?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 18:18-22
This passage outlines the role of a prophet in Israel, emphasizing that a true prophet's words will come to pass, which aligns with Samuel's experience as none of his words fell to the ground.

Jeremiah 1:4-10
Similar to Samuel, Jeremiah is called by God from a young age, and God assures him that He will be with him and put His words in his mouth.

Luke 2:52
Just as Samuel grew in stature and favor with the Lord, Jesus also grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Sermons
Here to GrowJ. R. Miller, D. D.1 Samuel 3:19
SamuelN. Emmons.1 Samuel 3:19
The Character of SamuelD. Moors, M. A.1 Samuel 3:19
The Growth of CharacterW. J. Woods, B. A.1 Samuel 3:19
The Ministry of SamuelJ. Harrison.1 Samuel 3:19
Samuel the ProphetB. Dale 1 Samuel 3:19-4:1
People
Dan, Eli, Samuel
Places
Beersheba, Dan, Shiloh
Topics
Effect, Fail, Fall, Grew, Ground, Groweth, None, Older, Samuel, Thus
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 3:1-21

     5658   boys

Library
Divine Calls.
"And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel; Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth."--1 Samuel iii. 10. In the narrative of which these words form part, we have a remarkable instance of a Divine call, and the manner in which it is our duty to meet it. Samuel was from a child brought to the house of the Lord; and in due time he was called to a sacred office, and made a prophet. He was called, and he forthwith answered the call. God said, "Samuel, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

A Private Enquiry
"What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee?"--1 Samuel 3:17. THE Lord would not speak directly to Eli, although he was the High Priest. In ordinary circumstances it would have been so; but Eli had grieved the Lord, and thus had lost his honorable standing. God had not cast him off; but he viewed him with such displeasure that he would only speak to him through another person: even as great kings, if they are offended with their courtiers, send them messages by other hands. The Lord sent, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

What the Truth Saith Inwardly Without Noise of Words
Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.(1) I am Thy servant; O give me understanding that I may know Thy testimonies. Incline my heart unto the words of Thy mouth.(2) Let thy speech distil as the dew. The children of Israel spake in old time to Moses, Speak thou unto us and we will hear, but let not the Lord speak unto us lest we die.(3) Not thus, O Lord, not thus do I pray, but rather with Samuel the prophet, I beseech Thee humbly and earnestly, Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth. Let not Moses …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Samuel, the Little Server
It was some years after Ruth's son had been born in Bethlehem that another mother was made glad by the precious gift of a little son. This mother's name was Hannah, and her baby was a special joy to her because she had so longed to have a son and had prayed so earnestly to God for this great gift. There was no doubt about the baby's name. He was called "Samuel," which means "God has heard." [Illustration: "Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth." 1 Sam. iii. 10.] For had not God listened …
Amy Steedman—The Babe in the Bulrushes

By Collating Similar Passages with 1 Sam. ...
By collating similar passages with 1 Sam. iii. 25, St. Ambrose shows that the meaning is not that no one shall intercede, but that the intercessor must be worthy as were Moses and Jeremiah, at whose prayers we read that God spared Israel. 40. But you say, It is written: "If a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him?" [2968] First of all, as I already said before, I might allow you to make that objection if you refused penance to those only who denied the faith. But what difficulty does …
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

Letter Xlvi (Circa A. D. 1125) to Guigues, the Prior, and to the Other Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
To Guigues, the Prior, And to the Other Monks of the Grand Chartreuse He discourses much and piously of the law of true and sincere charity, of its signs, its degrees, its effects, and of its perfection which is reserved for Heaven (Patria). Brother Bernard, of Clairvaux, wishes health eternal to the most reverend among fathers, and to the dearest among friends, Guigues, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, and to the holy Monks who are with him. 1. I have received the letter of your Holiness as joyfully …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Faithlessness and Defeat
'And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. 2. And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. 3. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us today before the Philistines? …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christian Meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5 We are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness, Christian meekness. Blessed are the meek'. See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart, with multiplicity of graces! The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious, but various. It makes the heart meek, pure, peaceable etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14). …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
"Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight" (Matt. 11:26). In the present chapter we shall consider, somewhat briefly, the practical application to ourselves of the great truth which we have pondered in its various ramifications in earlier pages. In chapter twelve we shall deal more in detail with the value of this doctrine but here we would confine ourselves to a definition of what ought to be our attitude toward the Sovereignty of God. Every truth that is revealed to us in God's Word …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Effectual Calling
'Them he also called.' Rom 8:80. Q-xxxi: WHAT IS EFFECTUAL CALLING? A: It is a gracious work of the Spirit, whereby he causes us to embrace Christ freely, as he is offered to us in the gospel. In this verse is the golden chain of salvation, made up of four links, of which one is vocation. Them he also called.' Calling is nova creatio, a new creation,' the first resurrection. There is a two-fold call: (1.) An outward call: (2.) An inward call. (1.) An outward call, which is God's offer of grace to …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal.
THE most glorious Sight questionless that was ever to be seen upon the face of the Earth, was to see the Son of God here, to see the supreme Being and Governour of the World here; to see the Creator of all things conversing here with his own Creatures; to see God himself with the nature, and in the shape of Man; walking about upon the surface of the Earth, and discoursing with silly Mortals here; and that with so much Majesty and Humility mixed together, that every expression might seem a demonstration …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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