1 Samuel 3:15
And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
lay
H7901
וַיִּשְׁכַּ֤ב
lay
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
1 of 16
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
3 of 16
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַבֹּ֔קֶר
until the morning
H1242
הַבֹּ֔קֶר
until the morning
Strong's:
H1242
Word #:
4 of 16
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח
and opened
H6605
וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח
and opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
5 of 16
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בֵּית
of the house
H1004
בֵּית
of the house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
8 of 16
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֑ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
9 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מֵֽהַגִּ֥יד
to shew
H5046
מֵֽהַגִּ֥יד
to shew
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
13 of 16
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Historical Context
Opening the tabernacle doors was apparently among Samuel's regular duties as sanctuary attendant. His continuation of normal service after extraordinary encounter demonstrates mature integration of spiritual experience with practical responsibility.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain normal responsibilities while processing significant spiritual experiences?
- What makes delivering difficult messages to those we love so challenging?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Samuel's response to the night's revelation is significant: he lay until morning, then opened the sanctuary doors - returning to normal duties. His fear to tell Eli the vision shows natural reluctance to deliver painful messages to beloved mentors. The word 'vision' (mar'ah) now applies to Samuel's experience, indicating he has received prophetic revelation. The young servant who 'did not yet know the LORD' (verse 7) has become one who sees visions. His faithful service continues even while processing traumatic prophetic content.