The word of the LORD is rare in those days; as Samuel sleeps in the temple where the ark rests, the LORD calls him three times - each time he runs to Eli thinking the old priest called. Eli realizes the LORD is calling and instructs Samuel to respond, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.' The LORD reveals to Samuel the judgment coming upon Eli's house for his sons' blasphemy and his failure to restrain them - a doom so severe both ears of all who hear it will tingle. Samuel is established as a prophet, and all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knows the LORD is with him.
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Read 1 Samuel Chapter 3 Summary
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Characters in This Chapter
Samuel
Last judge and prophet who anointed both Saul and David as kings
Saul
First king of Israel, whose disobedience led to his rejection by God
David
Shepherd boy anointed as future king, man after God's own heart
Jonathan
Saul's son who became David's closest friend despite the rivalry
Hannah
Samuel's mother who prayed for a son and dedicated him to God
Eli
High Priest and Judge of Israel
Dan
Fifth Son of Jacob, Whose Name Means Judgement
Places in This Chapter
The Temple
View on MapThe Temple in Jerusalem was the permanent house of worship built by Solomon on Mount Moriah. Destroyed by Babylon, it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel and later greatly expanded by Herod. Jesus taught in the Temple courts, cleared it of merchants, and predicted its destruction, which occurred in 70 AD.
Beersheba
View on MapBeersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath," was the southernmost major city of Israel. Abraham and Isaac both dug wells and made covenants here. It marked the traditional southern boundary of Israel in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." Hagar wandered in its wilderness, and Elijah fled here.
Position in Book
Samuel's MinistryChapters 1-7
Samuel's birth and calling, the capture and return of the ark, Samuel as judge over Israel.
Saul's ReignChapters 8-15
David's RiseChapters 16-31