1 Samuel 3:3
And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
Original Language Analysis
וְנֵ֤ר
And ere the lamp
H5216
וְנֵ֤ר
And ere the lamp
Strong's:
H5216
Word #:
1 of 12
a lamp (i.e., the burner) or light (literally or figuratively)
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
of God
H430
אֱלֹהִֽים׃
of God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
2 of 12
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
טֶ֣רֶם
H2962
טֶ֣רֶם
Strong's:
H2962
Word #:
3 of 12
properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before
יִכְבֶּ֔ה
went out
H3518
יִכְבֶּ֔ה
went out
Strong's:
H3518
Word #:
4 of 12
to expire or (causatively) to extinguish (fire, light, anger)
שֹׁכֵ֑ב
was laid down
H7901
שֹׁכֵ֑ב
was laid down
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
6 of 12
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
בְּהֵיכַ֣ל
in the temple
H1964
בְּהֵיכַ֣ל
in the temple
Strong's:
H1964
Word #:
7 of 12
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֔ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 12
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 12
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָׁ֖ם
H8033
Cross References
Psalms 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.Psalms 5:7But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.Psalms 29:9The voice of the LORD maketh the hinds to calve, and discovereth the forests: and in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.
Historical Context
The tabernacle lamp was to burn continuously (Exodus 27:20-21), though this may mean it was attended to every evening rather than literally never extinguished. The timing 'before dawn' was significant for cultic activities throughout ancient Near Eastern religions.
Questions for Reflection
- What significance do you see in God speaking at the liminal moment before dawn?
- How does positioning yourself in God's presence prepare you to hear His voice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The lamp of God 'not yet gone out' indicates the time just before dawn when the lampstand's oil was nearly exhausted. This liminal moment - between darkness and light - becomes the setting for divine revelation. Samuel sleeps 'where the ark of God was' - in or near the Most Holy Place. The child rests in God's presence, available even in sleep. The detail 'ere the lamp went out' may symbolize prophetic light not quite extinguished, flickering but still burning. God speaks just before the darkness becomes complete.