1 Samuel 3:1
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְהַנַּ֧עַר
And the child
H5288
וְהַנַּ֧עַר
And the child
Strong's:
H5288
Word #:
1 of 16
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
מְשָׁרֵ֥ת
ministered
H8334
מְשָׁרֵ֥ת
ministered
Strong's:
H8334
Word #:
3 of 16
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
5 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
H6440
לִפְנֵ֣י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
6 of 16
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
וּדְבַר
And the word
H1697
וּדְבַר
And the word
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
8 of 16
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֗ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הָיָ֤ה
H1961
הָיָ֤ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 16
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
in those days
H3117
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
in those days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
12 of 16
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
Cross References
Psalms 74:9We see not our signs: there is no more any prophet: neither is there among us any that knoweth how long.1 Samuel 3:21And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.1 Samuel 2:11And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.1 Samuel 2:18But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
Historical Context
Periods of prophetic silence appear throughout Israel's history. The four-hundred-year gap between Malachi and John the Baptist is the most famous. Such silences often indicate divine displeasure, though faithful remnants continue to serve during these periods.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it feel like when God seems silent in your life or community?
- How does spiritual famine prepare for spiritual awakening?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The chapter opens with spiritual famine: 'the word of the LORD was precious [rare] in those days; there was no open vision.' Samuel's ministry to Eli occurs amid prophetic silence. The term 'precious' (yaqar) indicates scarcity - prophetic revelation was so unusual that it was treasured when it came. The absence of 'open vision' (chazon niphrats) means God was not breaking through with revelation. This silence was judgment for the corruption described in chapter 2. Yet into this spiritual darkness, God speaks to a child, initiating a new era of prophetic ministry.