1 Samuel 3:10

The Lord came, and stood, &c.— These last words, which are the same as those used in the history of Balaam, Numbers 22:22; Numbers 23:30 are employed to denote some appearance; and, therefore, both Jewish and Christian interpreters have supposed, that GOD revealed himself to Samuel under some bright and glorious symbol.

REFLECTIONS.—Justly provoked with the ill-conduct of the priests, God had withdrawn his gracious appearances from them. Darkness now reigns in the desolate sanctuary, and neither vision nor dream had for a long time been vouchsafed; but God having raised up Samuel for extraordinary services, and early prepared him, by his exemplary piety, for communion with his blessed self, begins, while he is yet a youth, to manifest himself to him in Shiloh. Note; Early piety is usually favoured with especial impartings of divine consolations. We have,

1. The time when God appeared to him,—in the night, when Eli, sinking under age and infirmities, was retired for repose, and Samuel in some room near him, to be ready at Eli's call. Note; We have to bless God for the bed of repose on which we can sleep in peace, and still more if by refreshing dreams he makes that repose doubly profitable for our souls as well as bodies.

2. The manner in which he appeared. By an audible voice, calling Samuel by his name; who, either awakened with the sound, or awake before, and employed in holy meditation before the morning light, answers immediately, supposing it Eli's voice, and runs to his chamber, to inquire what he wanted. Eli assures him he did not call, and bids him lie down again. Note; (1.) A willing servant runs at his master's voice, happy, and therefore in haste, to serve him. (2.) They who see their servants officious to please them, ought, in return, to shew themselves tender of them, and to consult their comfort and repose.

3. Repeated calls are given, and Samuel returns to Eli, persuaded that the voice was his; for he was a child, and had not as yet been used to any such extraordinary manifestations of God's presence, nor had received any prophetical revelation from him. At first Eli sends him back to his bed; but after a second and third call, he began to reflect, and to conclude that the voice was divine; he therefore bids him lie down again, and at the next call, to answer, Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth, as attentive to the notice, and ready to obey the command. Hereupon, no sooner was he composed on his bed, than the Lord stood before him, probably in a human form, as he afterwards appeared in earnest, and called him Samuel, Samuel. Samuel, according to Eli's instructions, answers, Speak, for thy servant heareth. Note; (1.) We may expect some gracious manifestation from God, when our obedient ear is attentive to the Divine call, and out of his word we are inquiring, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? (2.) Such as are elder, and more experienced in the ways of God, should delight to instruct the younger who are training up in the same ways. (3.) They who are careful to observe the good instructions they receive, will find the blessing of so doing.