1 Samuel 3:10
Verse
Context
The LORD Calls Samuel
9“Go and lie down,” he said to Samuel, “and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord came, and stood - He heard the voice as if it was approaching nearer and nearer; till at last, from the sameness of the tone, he could imagine that it ceased to approach: and this is what appears to be represented under the notion of God standing and calling.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
When Samuel had lain down again, "Jehovah came and stood," sc., before Samuel. These words show that the revelation of God was an objectively real affair, and not a mere dream of Samuel's. "And he called to him as at other times" (see Num 24:1; Jdg 16:20), etc.). When Samuel replied in accordance with Eli's instructions, the Lord announced to him that He would carry out the judgment that had been threatened against the house of Eli (Sa1 3:11-14). "Behold, I do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle," sc., with horror (see Kg2 21:12; Jer 19:3; Hab 1:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord came, and stood,.... At the place where Samuel lay; either there was, as Kimchi, a form before his eyes in the vision of prophecy, some visible corporeal shape assumed; or a bright splendour an illustrious appearance of the glory of God; or it may be rather the voice, which before seemed to be at some distance whereabout Eli lay; it now seemed nearer, and was as the voice of one just by him, that sounded in his ears: and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel: repeating his name, in order the more to excite his attention: then Samuel answered, speak, for thy servant heareth; he leaves out the word Lord, which Eli bid him use; for he might be afraid as yet to make mention of the name of the Lord in the vision of prophecy, as Kimchi speaks; or lest it should be the voice of another, as Jarchi; as yet he might not be quite certain whether it was the voice of the Lord, or the voice of a man; for that he should have any mistrust of its being the voice of a demon or spectre, there is no reason to believe.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 The doubling of the name calls attention to the seriousness of the moment (cp. Gen 22:11; Exod 3:4; Matt 27:46; Luke 22:31; Acts 9:4). • Samuel omits “Lord” (see 1 Sam 3:9) from his response either out of reverence for the name or because of a lingering uncertainty about who was speaking.
1 Samuel 3:10
The LORD Calls Samuel
9“Go and lie down,” he said to Samuel, “and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(Genesis) - Part 20
By Zac Poonen1.8K58:29GenesisGEN 22:13EXO 3:41SA 3:10LUK 10:41LUK 22:11LUK 22:31ACT 9:4In this sermon, the speaker discusses six instances in the Bible where God calls individuals by repeating their names. The first instance is in Genesis 22, where God calls Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac. The second instance is in Genesis 46, where God calls Jacob to go down to Egypt. The third instance is in Exodus 3, where God calls Moses through the burning bush to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. The fourth instance is in 1 Samuel 3, where God calls the young boy Samuel while he is sleeping. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obedience and sacrificial obedience in following God's call, and highlights how God provides in miraculous ways, often at the last second. The speaker encourages listeners to seek the kingdom of God first and trust in His provision.
Span-04 Apostolic & Prophetic Foundations 1 of 8
By Art Katz1.7K1:30:26Prophetic Foundations1SA 3:101KI 17:11KI 18:21MAT 6:33EPH 3:212TI 2:151PE 4:17In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of waiting for the word of God before speaking, acting, or confronting others. They challenge the conventional wisdom of success in the church and encourage deep intercession and prayer for those who have a calling to bring forth the word of God. The speaker identifies those who may have a calling but have not recognized it yet, urging them to walk in it for the benefit of their nation and church. They also discuss the significance of the Elijah ministry and the need for reconciliation between fathers and sons. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing the profound impact of this message and its potential to reach beyond the audience to many nations worldwide.
Jesus and the Little Children
By Micheal Smith1.4K58:561SA 3:10DAN 1:8DAN 3:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of coming to Jesus with childlike faith, focusing on the readiness, purity, boldness, faithfulness, and relationship seen in exemplary children from the Bible. It encourages readiness like Samuel, holiness like Daniel, boldness like Hananiah, Azariah, and Mishael, faithfulness like Mary, and relationship like David. The message highlights the need to trust Jesus in all circumstances and to be willing to receive from Him with gratitude.
(1 Samuel) When God Announces Judgment
By David Guzik60034:48EXO 20:121SA 2:221SA 2:271SA 3:11SA 3:10MAT 6:33In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Samuel and Eli from the Bible. He highlights how Eli and his sons were engaging in evil dealings and taking advantage of worshipers at the Lord's Tabernacle. The preacher emphasizes that God was fed up with their actions and wanted them to stop. He also points out that Samuel, on the other hand, was a godly boy who ministered to the Lord and responded obediently when God called him. The sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to and obeying God's word.
Practical Devastation of Our Old Humanity
By T. Austin-Sparks3501:09:52Christianity1SA 3:10LUK 24:27LUK 24:30In this sermon, the speaker discusses the deep-rooted failure of humanity in relation to God. He emphasizes the betrayal of Judas and how it exposed the sinful nature within all of mankind. The speaker then highlights the intervention of God in the New Testament to bring about a culmination and climax of humanity's history. The sermon concludes by emphasizing the importance of understanding the human heart and the need for redemption through the cross.
Hearing and Obeying God's Voice
By Shane Idleman61:04:21Obedience to GodHearing God's VoiceGEN 12:11SA 3:10PRO 3:5ISA 30:21MAT 7:24JHN 10:27ROM 11:29HEB 11:6JAS 1:221JN 1:9Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of discerning and obeying God's voice, using the story of Abram's call in Genesis 12 as a foundation. He discusses the challenges of distinguishing between God's voice, our own thoughts, and external influences, urging believers to step out in faith and obedience even when the path is unclear. Idleman highlights that clarity in hearing God's voice often comes through obedience and that disobedience can cloud our spiritual vision. He encourages the congregation to confront areas of disobedience in their lives, as true repentance leads to a deeper relationship with God and clearer guidance. The sermon concludes with a call to action for baptism and a commitment to live in obedience to God's Word.
Manifest Presence of God - Part 9
By Walter Beuttler1GEN 3:81SA 3:10JER 23:24MAT 6:6JHN 14:21Walter Beuttler shares personal experiences of feeling the omnipresence of God in various challenging situations, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging God's presence in our lives at all times. Through moments of danger and uncertainty, Beuttler learns to trust in God's presence, finding comfort and reassurance even in the face of potential disaster. He highlights the power of prayer and the manifestation of God's presence in times of need, encouraging believers to seek a deeper, more personal relationship with Jesus.
Isaiah 50:4
By Chuck Smith0Listening in PrayerKnowing God1SA 3:10PSA 46:10PSA 119:105ISA 50:4JER 15:1JHN 10:27ROM 10:172TI 3:16HEB 4:12JAS 5:17Chuck Smith emphasizes the importance of listening in prayer, asserting that prayer should not be a one-sided conversation but a dialogue with God. He illustrates that the mightiest men of prayer, such as Moses, Samuel, and Elijah, were those who took the time to listen and know God deeply. Smith encourages believers to study the Bible not just for knowledge but to truly understand and connect with God, suggesting practical ways to engage with Scripture thoughtfully and prayerfully. He highlights that faith comes from hearing God's word, which requires a receptive heart and mind.
Understanding the Bible
By Anton Bosch01SA 3:10PSA 119:18PSA 119:100MAT 7:7JHN 16:132CO 3:18GAL 2:22TI 3:16JAS 1:51PE 2:22PE 1:21Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of discerning truth from error in interpreting the Bible. He highlights the need to seek wisdom from God, be in a right relationship with the Lord, be open to changing views, and turn to the Bible first before seeking other sources. Bosch stresses the significance of studying the Scriptures with a specific goal of allowing God to speak to us personally.
And the Lord Came, and Stood, and Called as at Other Times, Samuel, Samuel!
By F.B. Meyer0Divine CallingUrgency of Response1SA 3:10LUK 22:31REV 3:20F.B. Meyer emphasizes the urgency of God's call, illustrated by the repeated calling of Samuel. He highlights that God's call often grows in intensity and can be discerned through prayer, the counsel of godly friends, and the transformative effects it has on our lives. Meyer encourages believers to act on divine impressions, testing their authenticity by their impact on selflessness and service to others. The sermon underscores the importance of responding quickly and fearlessly to God's call, as it often requires stepping out of comfort zones for His glory.
Knowing God Intimately Is the Secret of Being Strong
By Zac Poonen0Intimacy With GodSpiritual Strength1SA 3:10ISA 50:4DAN 11:32MAT 4:4LUK 10:42JHN 17:3PHP 3:10HEB 8:11Zac Poonen emphasizes that knowing God intimately is essential for spiritual strength, as highlighted in Daniel 11:32. He encourages believers to seek a personal relationship with God rather than relying on others' experiences, citing that eternal life is defined by knowing God and Jesus Christ (John 17:3). Poonen stresses the importance of listening to God daily, following Jesus' example of spiritual nourishment through His words (Matthew 4:4). He advocates for a continuous listening attitude, even during the night, to remain receptive to God's guidance (1 Samuel 3:10). Ultimately, knowing God equips us to overcome life's challenges by revealing His solutions to our problems.
Teach Me to Listen
By A.W. Tozer0Listening to GodSpiritual Discernment1SA 3:10PSA 46:10PSA 85:8PRO 1:5ISA 30:21JER 33:3MAT 11:15JHN 10:27JAS 1:19REV 3:20A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of listening to God amidst the chaos of life, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Samuel who responded to God's call with a willing heart. He prays for the ability to hear God's voice clearly, urging believers to cultivate a familiarity with it so that they can discern it above the noise of the world. Tozer's message encourages a deep, personal relationship with God, where one actively seeks to listen and respond to His guidance.
Samuel Grew Up "In Favour Both With the Lord and With Men"
By Zac Poonen01SA 1:111SA 2:261SA 2:301SA 3:101SA 3:18LUK 1:46Zac Poonen preaches on the powerful story of Hannah's prayer for a child, highlighting her selfless vow to dedicate her son to the Lord, shifting the focus from her need to God's need. Through Hannah's example, we learn the importance of honoring our commitments to God and raising children in the fear of the Lord. The contrast between Samuel's godly upbringing and Eli's failure to discipline his immoral sons serves as a lesson on the impact of godly parenting. Samuel's attentive listening to God's voice and his boldness in delivering God's message to Eli demonstrate the importance of being alert and obedient to God's leading.
Hearing the Voice of God
By A.W. Tozer0Willingness to ListenHearing God's Voice1SA 3:10PSA 46:10PRO 1:20ISA 30:21JER 7:13MAT 23:34MAT 23:37JHN 10:27HEB 3:15JAS 1:22REV 3:20A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being willing to hear the voice of God, reflecting on the historical rejection of prophets and wise men sent by God. He highlights Jesus' lament over Jerusalem's unwillingness to accept divine guidance, illustrating the consequences of ignoring God's call. Tozer also references the wisdom of Proverbs, which warns against the folly of rejecting God's rebuke and the resulting calamity. The sermon challenges listeners to examine their openness to God's voice and the implications of their response. Ultimately, it calls for a heart willing to listen and respond to God's wisdom.
Children Called to Christ
By Robert Murray M'Cheyne0Faith in YouthUrgency of Salvation1SA 3:10PSA 37:5PRO 22:6ECC 12:1MAT 11:28MAT 19:14JHN 6:37ROM 10:132TI 3:15JAS 4:14Robert Murray M'Cheyne emphasizes the urgency of coming to Christ, especially for children, as life is fleeting and uncertain. He draws parallels between the brevity of life and the fragility of flowers, urging the young to seek the Savior while there is still time. M'Cheyne reflects on the joy of knowing God from a young age, as exemplified by Samuel, and encourages children to find rest in Jesus. He reassures that even in death, those who trust in Christ can find peace and joy. The sermon serves as a heartfelt call for the youth to embrace faith early in their lives.
Our Daily Homily - 1 Samuel
By F.B. Meyer0Obedience to GodPrayer1SA 3:101SA 1:151SA 2:191SA 4:31SA 5:31SA 7:81SA 8:61SA 12:221SA 15:221SA 30:6F.B. Meyer emphasizes the transformative power of pouring out one's soul to God, as exemplified by Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel. He illustrates how this act of surrender leads to divine peace and joy, contrasting it with the burdens of bitterness and complaint. Meyer also discusses the importance of godly habits formed in the home, the urgency of responding to God's call, and the necessity of maintaining a vital relationship with Him rather than relying on outward symbols of faith. He encourages believers to seek God's guidance in all circumstances and to uphold the honor of God in their lives, reminding them that true obedience is better than sacrifice.
- Adam Clarke
- Keil-Delitzsch
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The Lord came, and stood - He heard the voice as if it was approaching nearer and nearer; till at last, from the sameness of the tone, he could imagine that it ceased to approach: and this is what appears to be represented under the notion of God standing and calling.
Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch Old Testament Commentary
When Samuel had lain down again, "Jehovah came and stood," sc., before Samuel. These words show that the revelation of God was an objectively real affair, and not a mere dream of Samuel's. "And he called to him as at other times" (see Num 24:1; Jdg 16:20), etc.). When Samuel replied in accordance with Eli's instructions, the Lord announced to him that He would carry out the judgment that had been threatened against the house of Eli (Sa1 3:11-14). "Behold, I do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle," sc., with horror (see Kg2 21:12; Jer 19:3; Hab 1:5).
John Gill Bible Commentary
And the Lord came, and stood,.... At the place where Samuel lay; either there was, as Kimchi, a form before his eyes in the vision of prophecy, some visible corporeal shape assumed; or a bright splendour an illustrious appearance of the glory of God; or it may be rather the voice, which before seemed to be at some distance whereabout Eli lay; it now seemed nearer, and was as the voice of one just by him, that sounded in his ears: and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel: repeating his name, in order the more to excite his attention: then Samuel answered, speak, for thy servant heareth; he leaves out the word Lord, which Eli bid him use; for he might be afraid as yet to make mention of the name of the Lord in the vision of prophecy, as Kimchi speaks; or lest it should be the voice of another, as Jarchi; as yet he might not be quite certain whether it was the voice of the Lord, or the voice of a man; for that he should have any mistrust of its being the voice of a demon or spectre, there is no reason to believe.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:10 The doubling of the name calls attention to the seriousness of the moment (cp. Gen 22:11; Exod 3:4; Matt 27:46; Luke 22:31; Acts 9:4). • Samuel omits “Lord” (see 1 Sam 3:9) from his response either out of reverence for the name or because of a lingering uncertainty about who was speaking.