1 samuel 3:6 - Yahweh called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son. Lie down again.”
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What does "1 samuel 3:6" mean?
This verse is a key part of the story of Samuel's calling by God. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Yahweh called yet again, 'Samuel!'" This highlights that this isn't a one-time event. God is persistently trying to get Samuel's attention. The repetition emphasizes the importance of the calling. The name "Yahweh" is significant, representing the covenant name of God, suggesting a personal and significant interaction.
"Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am; for you called me.'" Samuel is obedient and responsive, but he misinterprets the source of the call. He assumes it's Eli, his mentor. This shows Samuel's innocence and his dependence on Eli for guidance. "Here I am" is a phrase indicating readiness to serve and obey.
"He answered, 'I didn’t call, my son. Lie down again.'" Eli is unaware of what's happening. He doesn't hear the divine call himself and genuinely believes he didn't summon Samuel. His response reflects his lack of spiritual discernment at this point in the story. "My son" conveys affection and concern for Samuel's well-being.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
This verse is important for several reasons:
It illustrates Samuel's initial lack of understanding of the divine voice. He's used to responding to Eli, so he naturally assumes the call is from him. This is a common theme: people often need help recognizing God's voice.
It highlights Eli's failing spiritual leadership. While Eli is a priest, he doesn't recognize God's presence or the significance of what's happening. He's become complacent and possibly spiritually dull.
It sets the stage for the crucial moment when Eli finally understands and guides Samuel. In later verses, Eli realizes it's God calling Samuel and instructs him on how to respond. This will lead to Samuel's prophetic calling and role as a pivotal figure in Israelite history.
It emphasizes God's initiative. God takes the first step in calling Samuel. Samuel isn't seeking God initially; God seeks him. This highlights God's grace and proactive nature.
It illustrates a common theme in the Bible: the transition of leadership. Eli's time is coming to an end, and Samuel is being prepared to take his place as a leader and prophet in Israel.
In essence, this verse paints a picture of a young, obedient boy being called by God, but initially mistaking the call for something ordinary. It also reveals the spiritual state of the current leadership and foreshadows a significant change in Israel's relationship with God.
1 samuel 3:6 - Yahweh called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son. Lie down again.”
What does "1 samuel 3:6" mean?
This verse is a key part of the story of Samuel's calling by God. Here's a breakdown of what it means:
"Yahweh called yet again, 'Samuel!'" This highlights that this isn't a one-time event. God is persistently trying to get Samuel's attention. The repetition emphasizes the importance of the calling. The name "Yahweh" is significant, representing the covenant name of God, suggesting a personal and significant interaction.
"Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, 'Here I am; for you called me.'" Samuel is obedient and responsive, but he misinterprets the source of the call. He assumes it's Eli, his mentor. This shows Samuel's innocence and his dependence on Eli for guidance. "Here I am" is a phrase indicating readiness to serve and obey.
"He answered, 'I didn’t call, my son. Lie down again.'" Eli is unaware of what's happening. He doesn't hear the divine call himself and genuinely believes he didn't summon Samuel. His response reflects his lack of spiritual discernment at this point in the story. "My son" conveys affection and concern for Samuel's well-being.
Overall Meaning and Significance:
This verse is important for several reasons:
It illustrates Samuel's initial lack of understanding of the divine voice. He's used to responding to Eli, so he naturally assumes the call is from him. This is a common theme: people often need help recognizing God's voice.
It highlights Eli's failing spiritual leadership. While Eli is a priest, he doesn't recognize God's presence or the significance of what's happening. He's become complacent and possibly spiritually dull.
It sets the stage for the crucial moment when Eli finally understands and guides Samuel. In later verses, Eli realizes it's God calling Samuel and instructs him on how to respond. This will lead to Samuel's prophetic calling and role as a pivotal figure in Israelite history.
It emphasizes God's initiative. God takes the first step in calling Samuel. Samuel isn't seeking God initially; God seeks him. This highlights God's grace and proactive nature.
It illustrates a common theme in the Bible: the transition of leadership. Eli's time is coming to an end, and Samuel is being prepared to take his place as a leader and prophet in Israel.
In essence, this verse paints a picture of a young, obedient boy being called by God, but initially mistaking the call for something ordinary. It also reveals the spiritual state of the current leadership and foreshadows a significant change in Israel's relationship with God.