V.1 The wickedness of the house of Eli was in sharp contrast with one faithful person. “The child Samuel ministered unto the Lord, and the Word of the Lord was precious (rare) in those days.” Just one young boy surrounded by much evil. Who is willing to walk with God today? It is dark and evil, but still possible to walk with God. The challenge is very personal, though you will not find yourself alone, for there are others also to whom the word of the Lord is precious.
V.2-3 Here we have a night-time story. Eli the priest was almost blind; the lamp of God in the temple was going out, and it was a very dark time in Israel’s history. This is a picture of the day in which we are now living. The light of the Word of God has been rejected, and those who ought to be able to guide and instruct God’s people are almost blind.
V.4 Even at such a time of darkness as today, there is still the voice of the Lord to be heard.
V.5-10 Samuel did not recognize the call of the Lord. But at last it is made clear to him that the Lord was really calling.