1 Samuel 3:1 Commentary and Bible Study

The child Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli under the instruction of Eli, and his service was pleasing to the Lord, for even at this young age he was a believing child and loved the Lord. The word of God, the prophetic word, was precious or rare in those days. It was precious like a precious stone. It was rare and special when it happened. As the last part of the verse confirms, there was no open vision, literally, no breaking forth vision, no bursting forth vision. Revelation had been withdrawn from Eli by and large. Samuel was still young. He walked with the Lord himself, but until now he had not received a vision or direct word from the Lord. It would be revived in Samuel.