1 Samuel 3:8
And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
Original Language Analysis
וַיֹּ֨סֶף
again
H3254
וַיֹּ֨סֶף
again
Strong's:
H3254
Word #:
1 of 20
to add or augment (often adverbial, to continue to do a thing)
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
2 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
קֹרֵ֥א
Here am I for thou didst call
H7121
קֹרֵ֥א
Here am I for thou didst call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
3 of 20
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
בַּשְּׁלִישִׁת֒
the third time
H7992
בַּשְּׁלִישִׁת֒
the third time
Strong's:
H7992
Word #:
5 of 20
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
And he arose
H6965
וַיָּ֙קָם֙
And he arose
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
6 of 20
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
7 of 20
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
12 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
קֹרֵ֥א
Here am I for thou didst call
H7121
קֹרֵ֥א
Here am I for thou didst call
Strong's:
H7121
Word #:
13 of 20
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
וַיָּ֣בֶן
perceived
H995
וַיָּ֣בֶן
perceived
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
15 of 20
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
17 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
And the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
18 of 20
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Historical Context
The number three in this context suggests completeness - the pattern has fully manifested. Eli's eventual perception shows that he is not completely devoid of spiritual sensitivity, just deeply compromised. His guidance becomes crucial for Samuel's proper response.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it take for you to perceive God's activity in unexpected places?
- How can even compromised leaders sometimes provide crucial guidance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
By the third call, Eli finally perceives what is happening. The phrase 'Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child' indicates belated spiritual insight. Despite his general blindness, Eli retains enough discernment to recognize divine activity. His perception comes after three occurrences - perhaps he needed the pattern to become clear. Even failing leaders sometimes retain moments of spiritual clarity. Eli's recognition enables him to guide Samuel into proper response, contributing positively despite his compromised position.