1 samuel 3:7 - Now Samuel didn’t yet know Yahweh, neither was Yahweh’s word yet revealed to him.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 3:7

What does "1 samuel 3:7" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 3:7 is crucial to understanding the beginning of Samuel's prophetic calling. Let's break it down:

"Now Samuel didn’t yet know Yahweh..." This doesn't mean Samuel was unaware of God's existence. He was living in the tabernacle, serving Eli the priest, and participating in religious rituals. Instead, "knowing" Yahweh in this context means having a personal, experiential relationship with God. It implies a deep understanding of God's character, will, and purpose, born from direct communication and revelation. Samuel had not yet had this kind of intimate encounter.

"...neither was Yahweh's word yet revealed to him." This clarifies the previous point. Samuel hadn't received any direct messages, prophecies, or divine guidance from God himself. He was learning about God through Eli and the traditions of Israel, but he hadn't yet experienced God speaking to him personally. This is important because prophets in the Old Testament were defined by their ability to hear and deliver God's word.

In essence, the verse highlights Samuel's inexperience and lack of direct prophetic calling at that specific point in time. He was a young apprentice, learning the ropes but not yet a fully-fledged prophet with his own established connection to God.

The context of the chapter is vital. In the preceding verses, Samuel is depicted as serving Eli in the tabernacle. He repeatedly gets up in the night, thinking that Eli is calling him. However, it is Yahweh calling to Samuel but Samuel does not yet understand. Eli figures out it is God calling Samuel and tells Samuel how to respond the next time he hears the voice.

The verses that follow this in 1 Samuel 3:8-10 shows the turning point for Samuel. He listens to Eli's instruction and finally recognizes that it is God speaking to him and he says "Speak, for your servant hears."

Therefore, 1 Samuel 3:7 is setting the stage for Samuel's first encounter with God. It emphasizes that this experience will mark a significant turning point in his life, transitioning him from a young servant to a prophet of Yahweh.