1 samuel 3:16 - Then Eli called Samuel, and said, “Samuel, my son!” He said, “Here I am.”
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What does "1 samuel 3:16" mean?
This verse in 1 Samuel 3:16 is a key moment in the story of Samuel's calling by God. Let's break down its meaning:
"Then Eli called Samuel..." This tells us that Eli, the high priest, initiated the conversation. He recognized that it was likely God calling Samuel, not just Samuel having a bad dream. Eli had been guiding Samuel and likely sensed something significant had happened.
"...and said, “Samuel, my son!”..." Eli uses an affectionate term, "my son," to address Samuel. This could indicate a couple of things:
Care and concern: Eli had taken Samuel under his wing and felt a fatherly affection for him.
A softening of authority: This could also indicate that Eli felt a level of humility in realizing that it was God talking to Samuel and not him.
"He said, “Here I am.”" Samuel's simple response "Here I am" (or "Hineni" in Hebrew) is significant:
Obedience and availability: It's a classic response indicating willingness to listen and obey a superior or someone in authority. Samuel is showing his respect for Eli.
Readiness to serve: More broadly, it is the first indication that Samuel is willing to listen to and obey God. Even though he is unsure what is happening, he is ready. It is an echo of Abraham's "Hineni" in Genesis 22, when God calls him to sacrifice Isaac.
In summary, this verse shows:
Eli's growing awareness that God is communicating with Samuel.
Eli's attempt to guide Samuel in recognizing and understanding God's voice.
Samuel's obedience and willingness to listen to and respect Eli.
Most importantly, it sets the stage for Samuel to receive a message from God, transitioning him from a boy serving in the temple to a prophet of God.
1 samuel 3:16 - Then Eli called Samuel, and said, “Samuel, my son!” He said, “Here I am.”
What does "1 samuel 3:16" mean?
This verse in 1 Samuel 3:16 is a key moment in the story of Samuel's calling by God. Let's break down its meaning:
"Then Eli called Samuel..." This tells us that Eli, the high priest, initiated the conversation. He recognized that it was likely God calling Samuel, not just Samuel having a bad dream. Eli had been guiding Samuel and likely sensed something significant had happened.
"...and said, “Samuel, my son!”..." Eli uses an affectionate term, "my son," to address Samuel. This could indicate a couple of things:
Care and concern: Eli had taken Samuel under his wing and felt a fatherly affection for him.
A softening of authority: This could also indicate that Eli felt a level of humility in realizing that it was God talking to Samuel and not him.
"He said, “Here I am.”" Samuel's simple response "Here I am" (or "Hineni" in Hebrew) is significant:
Obedience and availability: It's a classic response indicating willingness to listen and obey a superior or someone in authority. Samuel is showing his respect for Eli.
Readiness to serve: More broadly, it is the first indication that Samuel is willing to listen to and obey God. Even though he is unsure what is happening, he is ready. It is an echo of Abraham's "Hineni" in Genesis 22, when God calls him to sacrifice Isaac.
In summary, this verse shows:
Eli's growing awareness that God is communicating with Samuel.
Eli's attempt to guide Samuel in recognizing and understanding God's voice.
Samuel's obedience and willingness to listen to and respect Eli.
Most importantly, it sets the stage for Samuel to receive a message from God, transitioning him from a boy serving in the temple to a prophet of God.