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Selected Verse: 1 Samuel 3:1 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
1Sa 3:1	Strong Concordance	And the child [05288] Samuel [08050] ministered [08334] unto the LORD [03068] before [06440] Eli [05941]. And the word [01697] of the LORD [03068] was precious [03368] in those days [03117]; there was no open [06555] vision [02377].
	King James	And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
THE LORD APPEARS TO SAMUEL IN A VISION. (Sa1 3:1-10) the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli--His ministry consisted, of course, of such duties in or about the sanctuary as were suited to his age, which is supposed now to have been about twelve years. Whether the office had been specially assigned him, or it arose from the interest inspired by the story of his birth, Eli kept him as his immediate attendant; and he resided not in the sanctuary, but in one of the tents or apartments around it, assigned for the accommodation of the priests and Levites, his being near to that of the high priest. the word of the Lord was precious in those days--It was very rarely known to the Israelites; and in point of fact only two prophets are mentioned as having appeared during the whole administration of the judges (Jdg 4:4; Jdg 6:8). there was no open vision--no publicly recognized prophet whom the people could consult, and from whom they might learn the will of God. There must have been certain indubitable evidences by which a communication from heaven could be distinguished. Eli knew them, for he may have received them, though not so frequently as is implied in the idea of an "open vision."

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

THE LORD APPEARS TO SAMUEL IN A VISION. (Sa1 3:1-10)

the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli--His ministry consisted, of course, of such duties in or about the sanctuary as were suited to his age, which is supposed now to have been about twelve years. Whether the office had been specially assigned him, or it arose from the interest inspired by the story of his birth, Eli kept him as his immediate attendant; and he resided not in the sanctuary, but in one of the tents or apartments around it, assigned for the accommodation of the priests and Levites, his being near to that of the high priest.

the word of the Lord was precious in those days--It was very rarely known to the Israelites; and in point of fact only two prophets are mentioned as having appeared during the whole administration of the judges (Jdg 4:4; Jdg 6:8).

there was no open vision--no publicly recognized prophet whom the people could consult, and from whom they might learn the will of God. There must have been certain indubitable evidences by which a communication from heaven could be distinguished. Eli knew them, for he may have received them, though not so frequently as is implied in the idea of an "open vision."

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
See the margin reference note. Josephus says that Samuel's call to the prophetic office happened when he had just completed his twelfth year (compare Luk 2:42). Was precious - (or rare) The song of Hannah, and the prophecy of the "man of God" (Sa1 2:27 note), are the only instances of prophecy since Deborah. Samuel is mentioned as the first of the series of prophets Act 3:24. No open vision - Better rendered, "There was no vision promulgated or published." (Compare Ch2 31:5.)

The Scofield Bible Commentary, by Cyrus Ingerson Scofield, [1917]
the word Or, a word from the LORD was unusual in those days; there was no public vision.

Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78]
At the time when Samuel served the Lord before Eli, both as a boy and as a young man (Sa1 2:11, Sa1 2:21, Sa1 2:26), the word of the Lord had become dear, i.e., rare, in Israel, and "Prophecy was not spread." נפרץ, from פּרץ, to spread out strongly, to break through copiously (cf. Pro 3:10). The "word of the Lord" is the word of God announced by prophets: the "vision," "visio prophetica." It is true that Jehovah had promised His people, that He would send prophets, who should make known His will and purpose at all times (Deu 18:15.; cf. Num 23:23); but as a revelation from God presupposed susceptibility on the part of men, the unbelief and disobedience of the people might restrain the fulfilment of this and all similar promises, and God might even withdraw His word to punish the idolatrous nation. Such a time as this, when revelations from God were universally rare, and had now arisen under Eli, in whose days, as the conduct of his sons sufficiently proves, the priesthood had fallen into very deep corruption. Sa1 3:2-4 The word of the Lord was then issued for the first time to Samuel. Sa1 3:2-4 form one period. The clause, "it came to pass at that time" (Sa1 3:2), is continued in Sa1 3:4, "that the Lord called," etc. The intervening clauses from ועלי to אלהים ארון are circumstantial clauses, intended to throw light upon the situation. The clause, "Eli was laid down in his place," etc., may be connected logically with "at that time" by the insertion of "when" (as in the English version: Tr.). The dimness of Eli's eyes is mentioned, to explain Samuel's behaviour, as afterwards described. Under these circumstances, for example, when Samuel heard his own name called out in sleep, he might easily suppose that Eli was calling him to render some assistance. The "lamp of God" is the light of the candlestick in the tabernacle, the seven lamps of which were put up and lighted every evening, and burned through the night till all the oil was consumed (see Exo 30:8; Lev 24:2; Ch2 13:11, and the explanation given at Exo 27:21). The statement that this light was not yet extinguished, is equivalent to "before the morning dawn." "And Samuel was lying (sleeping) in the temple of Jehovah, where the ark of God was." היכל does not mean the holy place, as distinguished from the "most holy," as in Kg1 6:5; Kg1 7:50, (Note: The Masoretes have taken היכל in this sense, and therefore have placed the Athnach under שׁכב rednu, to separate שׁכב וּשׁמוּאל from יי בּהיכל, and thus to guard against the conclusion, which might be drawn from this view of היכל that Samuel slept in the holy place.) but the whole tabernacle, the tent with its court, as the palace of the God-king, as in Sa1 1:9; Psa 11:4. Samuel neither slept in the holy place by the side of the candlestick and table of shew-bread, nor in the most holy place in front of the ark of the covenant, but in the court, where cells were built for the priests and Levites to live in when serving at the sanctuary (see at Sa1 3:15). "The ark of God, i.e., the ark of the covenant, is mentioned as the throne of the divine presence, from which the call to Samuel proceeded. Sa1 3:5-9 As soon as Samuel heard his name called out, he hastened to Eli to receive his commands. But Eli bade him lie down again, as he had not called him. At first, no doubt, he thought the call which Samuel had heard was nothing more than a false impression of the youth, who had been fast asleep. But the same thing was repeated a second and a third time; for, as the historian explains in Sa1 3:6, "Samuel had not yet known Jehovah, and (for) the word of Jehovah was not yet revealed to him." (The perfect ידע after טרם, though very rare, is fully supported by Psa 90:2 and Pro 8:25, and therefore is not to be altered into ידע, as Dietrich and Bttcher propose.) He therefore imagined again that Eli had called him. But when he came to Eli after the third call, Eli perceived that the Lord was calling, and directed Samuel, if the call were repeated, to answer, "Speak, Lord; for Thy servant heareth."

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Before Eli - That is, under his inspection and direction. Word - The word of prophecy, or the revelation of God's will to and by the prophets. Precious - Rare or scarce, such things being most precious in mens' esteem, whereas common things are generally despised. Open vision - God did not impart his Mind by way of vision or revelation openly, or to any public person, to whom others might resort for satisfaction, though he might privately reveal himself to some pious persons for their particular direction. This is premised, as a reason why Samuel understood not, when God called him once or twice.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Samuel ministered unto the Lord - He performed minor services in the tabernacle, under the direction of Eli, such as opening the doors, etc. See Sa1 3:15. The word of the Lord was precious - There were but few revelations from God; and because the word was scarce, therefore it was valuable. The author of this book probably lived at a time when prophecy was frequent, See the preface. There was no open vision - There was no public accredited prophet; one with whom the secret of the Lord was known to dwell, and to whom all might have recourse in cases of doubt or public emergency.

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⁸ That the LORD [03068] sent [07971] a prophet [0376] [05030] unto the children [01121] of Israel [03478], which said [0559] unto them, Thus saith [0559] the LORD [03068] God [0430] of Israel [03478], I brought you up [05927] from Egypt [04714], and brought you forth [03318] out of the house [01004] of bondage [05650];

⁴ And Deborah [01683], a prophetess [05031], the wife [0802] of Lapidoth [03941], she judged [08199] Israel [03478] at that time [06256].

¹ And the child [05288] Samuel [08050] ministered [08334] unto the LORD [03068] before [06440] Eli [05941]. And the word [01697] of the LORD [03068] was precious [03368] in those days [03117]; there was no open [06555] vision [02377].
² And it came to pass at that time [03117], when Eli [05941] was laid down [07901] in his place [04725], and his eyes [05869] began [02490] to wax dim [03544], that he could [03201] not see [07200];
³ And ere the lamp [05216] of God [0430] went out [03518] in the temple [01964] of the LORD [03068], where the ark [0727] of God [0430] was, and Samuel [08050] was laid down [07901] to sleep;
⁴ That the LORD [03068] called [07121] Samuel [08050]: and he answered [0559], Here am I.
⁵ And he ran [07323] unto Eli [05941], and said [0559], Here am I [02009]; for thou calledst [07121] me. And he said [0559], I called [07121] not; lie down [07901] again [07725]. And he went [03212] and lay down [07901].
⁶ And the LORD [03068] called [07121] yet again [03254], Samuel [08050]. And Samuel [08050] arose [06965] and went [03212] to Eli [05941], and said [0559], Here am I; for thou didst call [07121] me. And he answered [0559], I called [07121] not, my son [01121]; lie down [07901] again [07725].
⁷ Now Samuel [08050] did not yet [02962] know [03045] the LORD [03068], neither was the word [01697] of the LORD [03068] yet revealed [01540] unto him.
⁸ And the LORD [03068] called [07121] Samuel [08050] again [03254] the third time [07992]. And he arose [06965] and went [03212] to Eli [05941], and said [0559], Here am I; for thou didst call [07121] me. And Eli [05941] perceived [0995] that the LORD [03068] had called [07121] the child [05288].
⁹ Therefore Eli [05941] said [0559] unto Samuel [08050], Go [03212], lie down [07901]: and it shall be, if he call [07121] thee, that thou shalt say [0559], Speak [01696], LORD [03068]; for thy servant [05650] heareth [08085]. So Samuel [08050] went [03212] and lay down [07901] in his place [04725].
¹⁰ And the LORD [03068] came [0935], and stood [03320], and called [07121] as at other times [06471], Samuel [08050], Samuel [08050]. Then Samuel [08050] answered [0559], Speak [01696]; for thy servant [05650] heareth [08085].

⁵ And as soon as the commandment [01697] came abroad [06555], the children [01121] of Israel [03478] brought [0935] in abundance [07235] the firstfruits [07225] of corn [01715], wine [08492], and oil [03323], and honey [01706], and of all the increase [08393] of the field [07704]; and the tithe [04643] of all things brought [0935] they in abundantly [07230].

²⁴ Yea [2532], and [1161] all [3956] the prophets [4396] from [575] Samuel [4545] and [2532] those that follow after [2517], as many as [3745] have spoken [2980], have [4293] likewise [2532] foretold [4293] of these [5025] days [2250].

²⁷ And there came [0935] a man [0376] of God [0430] unto Eli [05941], and said [0559] unto him, Thus saith [0559] the LORD [03068], Did I plainly [01540] appear [01540] unto the house [01004] of thy father [01], when they were in Egypt [04714] in Pharaoh's [06547] house [01004]?

⁴² And [2532] when [3753] he was [1096] twelve [1427] years old [2094], they [846] went up [305] to [1519] Jerusalem [2414] after [2596] the custom [1485] of the feast [1859].

²⁵ Before the mountains [02022] were settled [02883], before [06440] the hills [01389] was I brought forth [02342]:

² Before the mountains [02022] were brought forth [03205], or ever thou hadst formed [02342] the earth [0776] and the world [08398], even from everlasting [05769] to [05704] everlasting [05769], thou art God [0410].

⁶ And the LORD [03068] called [07121] yet again [03254], Samuel [08050]. And Samuel [08050] arose [06965] and went [03212] to Eli [05941], and said [0559], Here am I; for thou didst call [07121] me. And he answered [0559], I called [07121] not, my son [01121]; lie down [07901] again [07725].

⁵ And he ran [07323] unto Eli [05941], and said [0559], Here am I [02009]; for thou calledst [07121] me. And he said [0559], I called [07121] not; lie down [07901] again [07725]. And he went [03212] and lay down [07901].
⁶ And the LORD [03068] called [07121] yet again [03254], Samuel [08050]. And Samuel [08050] arose [06965] and went [03212] to Eli [05941], and said [0559], Here am I; for thou didst call [07121] me. And he answered [0559], I called [07121] not, my son [01121]; lie down [07901] again [07725].
⁷ Now Samuel [08050] did not yet [02962] know [03045] the LORD [03068], neither was the word [01697] of the LORD [03068] yet revealed [01540] unto him.
⁸ And the LORD [03068] called [07121] Samuel [08050] again [03254] the third time [07992]. And he arose [06965] and went [03212] to Eli [05941], and said [0559], Here am I; for thou didst call [07121] me. And Eli [05941] perceived [0995] that the LORD [03068] had called [07121] the child [05288].
⁹ Therefore Eli [05941] said [0559] unto Samuel [08050], Go [03212], lie down [07901]: and it shall be, if he call [07121] thee, that thou shalt say [0559], Speak [01696], LORD [03068]; for thy servant [05650] heareth [08085]. So Samuel [08050] went [03212] and lay down [07901] in his place [04725].

¹⁵ And Samuel [08050] lay [07901] until the morning [01242], and opened [06605] the doors [01817] of the house [01004] of the LORD [03068]. And Samuel [08050] feared [03372] to shew [05046] Eli [05941] the vision [04759].

⁴ The LORD [03068] is in his holy [06944] temple [01964], the LORD'S [03068] throne [03678] is in heaven [08064]: his eyes [05869] behold [02372], his eyelids [06079] try [0974], the children [01121] of men [0120].

⁹ So Hannah [02584] rose up [06965] after [0310] they had eaten [0398] in Shiloh [07887], and after [0310] they had drunk [08354]. Now Eli [05941] the priest [03548] sat [03427] upon a seat [03678] by a post [04201] of the temple [01964] of the LORD [03068].

⁵⁰ And the bowls [05592], and the snuffers [04212], and the basons [04219], and the spoons [03709], and the censers [04289] of pure [05462] gold [02091]; and the hinges [06596] of gold [02091], both for the doors [01817] of the inner [06442] house [01004], the most [06944] holy [06944] place, and for the doors [01817] of the house [01004], to wit, of the temple [01964].

⁵ And against the wall [07023] of the house [01004] he built [01129] chambers [03326] [03326] round about [05439], against the walls [07023] of the house [01004] round about [05439], both of the temple [01964] and of the oracle [01687]: and he made [06213] chambers [06763] round about [05439]:

²¹ In the tabernacle [0168] of the congregation [04150] without [02351] the vail [06532], which is before the testimony [05715], Aaron [0175] and his sons [01121] shall order [06186] it from evening [06153] to morning [01242] before [06440] the LORD [03068]: it shall be a statute [02708] for ever [05769] unto their generations [01755] on the behalf of the children [01121] of Israel [03478].

¹¹ And they burn [06999] unto the LORD [03068] every morning [01242] and every evening [06153] burnt sacrifices [05930] and sweet [05561] incense [07004]: the shewbread [03899] [04635] also set they in order upon the pure [02889] table [07979]; and the candlestick [04501] of gold [02091] with the lamps [05216] thereof, to burn [01197] every evening [06153]: for we keep [08104] the charge [04931] of the LORD [03068] our God [0430]; but ye have forsaken [05800] him.

² Command [06680] the children [01121] of Israel [03478], that they bring [03947] unto thee pure [02134] oil [08081] olive [02132] beaten [03795] for the light [03974], to cause the lamps [05216] to burn [05927] continually [08548].

⁸ And when Aaron [0175] lighteth [05927] the lamps [05216] at even [06153], he shall burn incense [06999] upon it, a perpetual [08548] incense [07004] before [06440] the LORD [03068] throughout your generations [01755].

⁴ That the LORD [03068] called [07121] Samuel [08050]: and he answered [0559], Here am I.

² And it came to pass at that time [03117], when Eli [05941] was laid down [07901] in his place [04725], and his eyes [05869] began [02490] to wax dim [03544], that he could [03201] not see [07200];

² And it came to pass at that time [03117], when Eli [05941] was laid down [07901] in his place [04725], and his eyes [05869] began [02490] to wax dim [03544], that he could [03201] not see [07200];
³ And ere the lamp [05216] of God [0430] went out [03518] in the temple [01964] of the LORD [03068], where the ark [0727] of God [0430] was, and Samuel [08050] was laid down [07901] to sleep;
⁴ That the LORD [03068] called [07121] Samuel [08050]: and he answered [0559], Here am I.

²³ Surely there is no enchantment [05173] against Jacob [03290], neither is there any divination [07081] against Israel [03478]: according to this time [06256] it shall be said [0559] of Jacob [03290] and of Israel [03478], What hath God [0410] wrought [06466] !

¹⁵ The LORD [03068] thy God [0430] will raise up [06965] unto thee a Prophet [05030] from the midst [07130] of thee, of thy brethren [0251], like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken [08085];

¹⁰ So shall thy barns [0618] be filled [04390] with plenty [07647], and thy presses [03342] shall burst out [06555] with new wine [08492].

²⁶ And the child [05288] Samuel [08050] grew [01432] on [01980], and was in favour [02896] both with the LORD [03068], and also with men [0582].

²¹ And [03588] the LORD [03068] visited [06485] Hannah [02584], so that she conceived [02029], and bare [03205] three [07969] sons [01121] and two [08147] daughters [01323]. And the child [05288] Samuel [08050] grew [01431] before [05973] the LORD [03068].

¹¹ And Elkanah [0511] went [03212] to Ramah [07414] to his house [01004]. And the child [05288] did [01961] minister [08334] unto the LORD [03068] before [06440] Eli [05941] the priest [03548].