1 Samuel 3:15 Commentary and Bible Study

In the morning, although now his prophetic ministry has started – he had heard the voice of the Lord; the Lord's presence had been in his very room; he had heard this message that everything was going to change which clearly implied to him that he would be taking over this ministry, this prophetic ministry – Samuel still did his basic duties. He went and opened the gates, opened the doors, prepared the temple, the house of God, for the day’s ceremonies and ritual. He went about his menial tasks as an apprentice Levite in exactly the same way. He wasn't in the least arrogant, or puffed up by his calling. But he hesitated; he was afraid to tell Eli what God had said, but he knew he would have to. Eli realised Samuel’s difficulty and pressed him to speak. He knew from that this moment was coming. He anticipated that Samuel had received a prophecy of judgment against Eli and his house, and, given the kindly relationship he had towards him, Samuel was going to find it very hard to relay this prophecy. But Eli was insistent: Samuel must do it. He must learn that nothing could be kept back, for the word of the Lord must never ever be altered by a prophet. ‘And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him.’ That was his the delivery of his first prophetic message.Look at the gracious side of Eli! ‘Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good.’ Some criticise him for not repenting. The old man was broken; he knew it was too late to repent; the judgment was going to come anyway. He should have done so nevertheless, but it was too late. But he did not protest, or defend himself. He knew the judgment was deserved, and he submitted to it.