The lovely story, with which this chapter begins has had an appeal to children in all ages, we may be sure. That God should come into the growing boy's room and call him by name; call him again and again, after he had got up out of his bed and gone to Eli's side, and finally tell him what he needed to know to guard him against joining in the wickedness of the young men, is deeply interesting to old as well as young.
Verse 1. God had withdrawn from the open access to His presence which Moses enjoyed, it seems. Rarely did He speak to Israel now; and he did not tell His mind in dreams as before.
Verse 2. Only Eli is mentioned; the sons devoted to wickedness are left out; we see only the very old man and the young boy in his teens.
Verses 5-9 show a right spirit in Samuel, prompt to obey the calls; no word of complaint is heard at having to leave his bed repeatedly. Surely his mother had sought to bring her boy up in the fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom and every, other good. He did not know what the boys in many Christian homes are privileged to know of Christ as Saviour,—but though knowing little (verse 7), Samuel was in favor both with God and also with men, as we learned in chapter 2, verse 26. He was in his day a model boy, though when we think of the standard for all children, we turn to Luke 2:40-52,40And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him. 41Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance. 45And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. 48And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? 50And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. (Luke 2:40‑52) where Christ is told of as a boy with Mary and Joseph.
There was no purging the iniquity of Eli's house. The mercy of God had been exceeded. He that is often reproved and hardens him-self shall suddenly be cut off, and without remedy. The day when forgiveness was possible, had passed for these who despised God.
Verse 15. What thoughts were Samuel's as he lay through the night before morning dawned! It does not appear that he slept that night.
Verse 18, Eli's comment on Samuel's report in the morning shows submission, for after all he was true in heart to God, but how painful this last announcement of the now near approach of the divine intervention must have been. There could be no doubt in Eli's mind that Samuel was to be a prophet of God, and that he himself was practically set aside as a priest.
Deeply affecting is the story of Eli, and a powerful warning it ought to be to every Christian parent. How much needed in this day!