1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;

4 That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

6 And the Lord called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither was the word of the Lord yet revealed unto him.

8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child.

9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

10 And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.

11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle.

12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.

13 For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.

14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.

15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

16 Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.

17 And he said, What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee.

18 And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the Lord: let him do what seemeth him good.

19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.

20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord.

21 And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord.

Commentary

Verse 1

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Before Eli - That is, under his inspection and direction. Word - The word of prophecy, or the revelation of God's will to and by the prophets. Precious - Rare or scarce, such things being most precious in mens' esteem, whereas common things are generally despised. Open vision - God did not impart his Mind by way of vision or revelation openly, or to any public person, to whom others might resort for satisfaction, though he might privately reveal himself to some pious persons for their particular direction. This is premised, as a reason why Samuel understood not, when God called him once or twice.
McArther Bible Commentary
the boy Samuel. Samuel was no longer a child (1Sa 2:21, 1Sa 2:26). While the Jewish historian Josephus suggested he was twelve years of age, he was probably a teenager at this time. The same Hebrew term translated here "boy" was used of David when he killed Goliath (1Sa 17:33). the word of the Lord was rare. The time of the judges was a period of extremely limited prophetic activity. The few visions that God did give were not widely known. revelation. Lit. "vision." A divine revelation mediated through an auditory or visual encounter.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 2:11 1 Samuel 2:18 1 Samuel 2:35 1 Samuel 2:36 Psalm 74:9 Proverbs 29:18 Ezekiel 7:26 Amos 8:11 Amos 8:12

Verse 2

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
His place - In the court of the tabernacle.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 27:1 Genesis 48:10 1 Samuel 4:15 1 Kings 14:4 Ecclesiastes 12:3

Verse 3

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Went out - Before the lights of the golden candlestick were put out in the morning.
McArther Bible Commentary
before the lamp of God went out. The golden lampstand, located in the Holy Place of the tabernacle, was filled with olive oil and lit at twilight (Exo 30:8). The lamp was kept burning from evening until morning (Exo 27:20-21). Just before dawn, while the golden lampstand was still burning, Samuel was called to his prophetic ministry. ark of God. See Exo 25:10-22.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 25:31 Exodus 27:21 Leviticus 24:2 Leviticus 24:3 1 Samuel 1:9

Verse 4

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
Samuel Commissioned When Twelve Years Old
—When but twelve years old, the son of Hannah received his special commission from the Most High (The Signs of the Times, December 15, 1881).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 3:5 Isaiah 6:8

Verse 5

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 3:4 1 Samuel 3:6

Verse 6

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 3:5 1 Samuel 3:7

Verse 7

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Did not know - He was not acquainted with God in that extraordinary or prophetical way. And this ignorance of Samuel's served God's design, that his simplicity might give Eli the better assurance of the truth of God's call, and message to Samuel.
McArther Bible Commentary
Samuel did not yet know the Lord. Samuel had not yet encountered the Lord in a personal way, nor had he received God's Word by divine revelation (see 1Sa 2:12).
Bible Cross References
Acts 19:2 1 Corinthians 13:11 1 Samuel 3:6 1 Samuel 3:8

Verse 8

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
McArther Bible Commentary
Then Eli perceived. Eli was slow to recognize that God was calling Samuel. This indicates that Eli's spiritual perception was not what it should have been as the priest and judge of Israel (see also 1Sa 1:12-16).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 3:7 1 Samuel 3:9

Verse 9

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 3:8 1 Samuel 3:10

Verse 10

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
The word of the Lord first revealed to Samuel.
The call which Divine grace designs shall be made effectual; will be repeated till it is so, till we come to the call. Eli, perceiving that it was the voice of God that Samuel heard, instructed him what to say. Though it was a disgrace to Eli, for God's call to be directed to Samuel, yet he told him how to meet it. Thus the elder should do their utmost to assist and improve the younger that are rising up. Let us never fail to teach those who are coming after us, even such as will soon be preferred before us, (John 1:30). Good words should be put into children's mouths betimes, by which they may be prepared to learn Divine things, and be trained up to regard them.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
God May Pass By Adults and Use Children
—God will work with children and youth who give themselves to Him. Samuel was educated for the Lord in his youth, and God passed by the hoary-headed Eli, and conversed with the child Samuel (Manuscript 99, 1899).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Came and stood - Before, he spake to him at a distance, even from the holy oracle between the cherubim: but now, to prevent all farther mistake, the voice came near to him, as if the person speaking had been standing near him.
McArther Bible Commentary
hears. "To hear with interest," or "to hear so as to obey."
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 3:9 1 Samuel 3:11 1 Samuel 3:15 1 Samuel 3:21 1 Samuel 12:2

Verse 11

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house.
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
God May Pass By Adults and Use Children
—God will work with children and youth who give themselves to Him. Samuel was educated for the Lord in his youth, and God passed by the hoary-headed Eli, and conversed with the child Samuel (Manuscript 99, 1899).
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
See EGW on ch. 2:12.Lord Will Pass By Fathers Who Neglect Home Life
—By this we see that the Lord will pass by old, experienced fathers connected with His work if they neglect their duty in their home life (Letter 33, 1897).God's Thorough Work Contrasted With Eli's Carelessness—Eli was a believer in God and in His Word; but he did not, like Abraham, “command” his children and his household after him. Let us hear what God says about Eli's neglect: “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle.” The Lord had borne long with Eli. He had been warned and instructed; but, like the parents of today, he had not heeded the warning. But when the Lord took hold of the case, He ceased not till He had made thorough work (The Review and Herald, May 4, 1886).
McArther Bible Commentary
ears … will tingle. A message of impending destruction, referring here to Eli's house (see 2Ki 21:12; Jer 19:3).
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 3:10 2 Kings 21:12 Jeremiah 19:3

Verse 12

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house.
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
God May Pass By Adults and Use Children
—God will work with children and youth who give themselves to Him. Samuel was educated for the Lord in his youth, and God passed by the hoary-headed Eli, and conversed with the child Samuel (Manuscript 99, 1899).
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
See EGW on ch. 2:12.Lord Will Pass By Fathers Who Neglect Home Life
—By this we see that the Lord will pass by old, experienced fathers connected with His work if they neglect their duty in their home life (Letter 33, 1897).God's Thorough Work Contrasted With Eli's Carelessness—Eli was a believer in God and in His Word; but he did not, like Abraham, “command” his children and his household after him. Let us hear what God says about Eli's neglect: “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle.” The Lord had borne long with Eli. He had been warned and instructed; but, like the parents of today, he had not heeded the warning. But when the Lord took hold of the case, He ceased not till He had made thorough work (The Review and Herald, May 4, 1886).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
In that day - In that time which I have appointed for this work, which was about twenty or thirty years after this threatning. So long space of repentance God allows to this wicked generation. When I begin, &c. - Tho' this vengeance shall be delayed for a season, to manifest my patience, and incite them to repentance; yet when once I begin to inflict, I shall not desist 'till I have made a full end.
McArther Bible Commentary
all that I have spoken. See 1Sa 2:27-36. The repetition of the oracle against Eli to Samuel confirmed the word spoken by the man of God.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 2:27 Ezekiel 21:5

Verse 13

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house.
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
God May Pass By Adults and Use Children
—God will work with children and youth who give themselves to Him. Samuel was educated for the Lord in his youth, and God passed by the hoary-headed Eli, and conversed with the child Samuel (Manuscript 99, 1899).
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
See EGW on ch. 2:12.Lord Will Pass By Fathers Who Neglect Home Life
—By this we see that the Lord will pass by old, experienced fathers connected with His work if they neglect their duty in their home life (Letter 33, 1897).God's Thorough Work Contrasted With Eli's Carelessness—Eli was a believer in God and in His Word; but he did not, like Abraham, “command” his children and his household after him. Let us hear what God says about Eli's neglect: “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle.” The Lord had borne long with Eli. He had been warned and instructed; but, like the parents of today, he had not heeded the warning. But when the Lord took hold of the case, He ceased not till He had made thorough work (The Review and Herald, May 4, 1886).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Restrained them not - He contented himself with a cold reproof, and did not punish, and effectually restrain them. They who can, and do not restrain others from sin, make themselves partakers of the guilt. Those in authority will have a great deal to answer for, if the sword they bear be not a terror to evil - doers.
McArther Bible Commentary
made themselves vile. The LXX reads "his sons blasphemed God." Cursing God was an offense worthy of death (see Lev 24:11-16, Lev 24:23). did not restrain them. Eli was implicated in the sins of his sons because he did not intervene with judgment. If his sons were blaspheming God, they should have been stoned (see Lev 24:15-16).
Bible Cross References
Deuteronomy 17:12 Deuteronomy 21:18 1 Samuel 2:12 1 Samuel 2:17 1 Samuel 2:22 1 Samuel 2:29

Verse 14

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house.
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
God May Pass By Adults and Use Children
—God will work with children and youth who give themselves to Him. Samuel was educated for the Lord in his youth, and God passed by the hoary-headed Eli, and conversed with the child Samuel (Manuscript 99, 1899).
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
See EGW on ch. 2:12.Lord Will Pass By Fathers Who Neglect Home Life
—By this we see that the Lord will pass by old, experienced fathers connected with His work if they neglect their duty in their home life (Letter 33, 1897).God's Thorough Work Contrasted With Eli's Carelessness—Eli was a believer in God and in His Word; but he did not, like Abraham, “command” his children and his household after him. Let us hear what God says about Eli's neglect: “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle.” The Lord had borne long with Eli. He had been warned and instructed; but, like the parents of today, he had not heeded the warning. But when the Lord took hold of the case, He ceased not till He had made thorough work (The Review and Herald, May 4, 1886).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Have sworn - Or, I do swear: the past tense being commonly put for the present in the Hebrew tongue. Unto - Or, concerning it. Purged - That is, the punishment threatened against Eli and his family, shall not he prevented by all their sacrifices, but shall infallibly be executed.
McArther Bible Commentary
not be atoned for … forever. Eli's family was apparently guilty of presumptuous sin. For such defiant sin, there was no atonement and the death penalty could be immediately applied (see Num 15:30-31).
Bible Cross References
Leviticus 15:31 1 Samuel 2:25 Isaiah 22:14

Verse 15

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house.
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Doors - Altho' the tabernacle, whilst it was to be removed from place to place in the wilderness, had no doors, but consisted only of curtains, and had hangings before the entrance, instead of doors; yet when it was settled in one place, as now it was in Shiloh, it was enclosed within some solid building, which had doors and posts, and other parts belonging to it. Feared - The matter of the vision or revelation, partly from the reverence he bore to his person, to whom he was loth to be a messenger of such sad tidings; partly, lest if he had been hasty to utter it, Eli might think him guilty of arrogancy or secret complacency in his calamity.
McArther Bible Commentary
the doors of the house of the Lord. The doors of the tabernacle compound (see 1Sa 1:9).
Bible Cross References
Numbers 12:6 1 Samuel 3:10 1 Samuel 3:16 1 Chronicles 15:23

Verse 16

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house.
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.
Bible Cross References
1 Samuel 3:15 1 Samuel 3:17

Verse 17

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house.
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
God do so, &c. - God inflict the same evils upon thee, which I suspect he hath pronounced against me, and greater evils too.
McArther Bible Commentary
God do so to you, and more also. This is an oath of imprecation. Eli called down God's judgment on Samuel if he refused to tell everything he knew.
Bible Cross References
Ruth 1:17 1 Samuel 3:16 1 Samuel 20:13 1 Samuel 25:22 2 Samuel 3:35 Jeremiah 38:14 Jeremiah 42:4 Daniel 4:19

Verse 18

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house.
What a great deal of guilt and corruption is there in us, concerning which we may say, It is the iniquity which our own heart knoweth; we are conscious to ourselves of it! Those who do not restrain the sins of others, when it is in their power to do it, make themselves partakers of the guilt, and will be charged as joining in it. In his remarkable answer to this awful sentence, Eli acknowledged that the Lord had a right to do as he saw good, being assured that he would do nothing wrong. The meekness, patience, and humility contained in those words, show that he was truly repentant; he accepted the punishment of his sin.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
It is the Lord - This severe sentence is from the sovereign Lord of the world, who hath an absolute right to dispose of me and all his creatures; who is in a special manner the ruler of the people of Israel, to whom it properly belongs to punish all mine offences; whose chastisement I therefore accept.
McArther Bible Commentary
Let Him do what seems good to Him. Eli resigned himself to divine sovereignty, without reluctance.
Bible Cross References
Exodus 34:5 Leviticus 10:3 Judges 10:15 2 Samuel 10:12 2 Samuel 15:26 2 Kings 20:19 Job 2:10 Isaiah 39:8 Jeremiah 34:6 Jeremiah 38:14 Jeremiah 42:4

Verse 19

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Samuel established to be a prophet.
All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the presence of God with us. God will graciously repeat his visits to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God he will honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from him they will learn to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Young children are capable of religion. Samuel is a proof that their waiting upon the Lord will be pleasing to him. He is a pattern of all those amiable tempers, which are the brightest ornament of youth, and a sure source of happiness.
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
Fail, &c. - That is, want its effect: God made good all his predictions. A metaphor from precious liquors, which when they are spilt upon the ground, are altogether useless.
McArther Bible Commentary
the Lord was with him. The Lord's presence was with Samuel, as it would be later with David (1Sa 16:18; 1Sa 18:12). The Lord's presence validated His choice of a man for His service. let none of his words fall to the ground. Everything Samuel said with divine authorization came true. This fulfillment of Samuel's word proved that he was a true prophet of God (see Deu 18:21-22).
Bible Cross References
Genesis 21:22 Genesis 28:15 Genesis 39:2 Judges 13:24 1 Samuel 2:21 1 Samuel 9:6 1 Samuel 12:2 1 Samuel 16:18

Verse 20

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Samuel established to be a prophet.
All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the presence of God with us. God will graciously repeat his visits to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God he will honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from him they will learn to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Young children are capable of religion. Samuel is a proof that their waiting upon the Lord will be pleasing to him. He is a pattern of all those amiable tempers, which are the brightest ornament of youth, and a sure source of happiness.
EGW SDA Bible Commentary
(ch. 7:9, 15). Samuel Takes Hold With Both Hands
—Samuel was now invested by the God of Israel with the three-fold office of judge, prophet, and priest. Placing one hand in the hand of Christ, and with the other taking the helm of the nation, he holds it with such wisdom and firmness as to preserve Israel from destruction (The Signs of the Times, June 22, 1882).
John Wesley's Bible Commentary
From Dan, &c. - Thro' the whole Land, from the northern bound Dan, to the southern, Beersheba; which was the whole length of the Land.
McArther Bible Commentary
Dan to Beersheba. The traditional limits of the land of Israel from the north to the south. prophet of the Lord. Samuel's status as a spokesman of God's message was acknowledged by all throughout Israel.
Bible Cross References
Acts 13:20 Judges 20:1 1 Samuel 12:11 2 Samuel 3:10 2 Samuel 17:11 1 Kings 4:25

Verse 21

Matthew Henry's Concise Bible Commentary
Samuel established to be a prophet.
All increase in wisdom and grace, is owing to the presence of God with us. God will graciously repeat his visits to those who receive them aright. Early piety will be the greatest honour of young people. Those who honour God he will honour. Let young people consider the piety of Samuel, and from him they will learn to remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Young children are capable of religion. Samuel is a proof that their waiting upon the Lord will be pleasing to him. He is a pattern of all those amiable tempers, which are the brightest ornament of youth, and a sure source of happiness.
Bible Cross References
Genesis 12:7 1 Samuel 3:10 Jeremiah 41:5