(3:1-7) God's Word is Not Heard - Although God had spoken directly and audibly with Moses and Joshua, his word became rare during the three centuries of rule by judges. By Eli's time, few prophets were speaking God's messages to Israel. Why? Look at the attitude of Eli's sons. They, like many others at this time, either refused to listen to God or allowed greed to get in the way of any communication with him. Listening and responding is vital in a relationship with God. Although God does not always use the sound of a human voice, he always speaks clearly through the Bible. To receive his messages, we must be ready to listen and to act upon what he tells us. Like Samuel, be ready to say "Here am I" when God calls you to action

(3:2-3) The Ark is Stored in a Holy Place - The ark of God was kept in the most holy place, the innermost room of the tabernacle, where only the high priest could enter once a year. In front of the most holy place was the holy place, a small room where the other sacred furniture of the tabernacle was kept (the altar of incense, the table for the special bread, and the candlestick). Just outside the holy place was a courtyard with small rooms where the priests were to stay. Samuel probably slept here with the other priests, only a few yards away from the ark.

(3:8-9) Samuel Hears From the Lord - One would naturally expect an audible message from God to be given to the high priest Eli and not to the child Samuel. Eli was older and more experienced, and he held the proper position. But God's chain of command is based on faith and an openness to listen, not on age or position. In finding faithful followers, God may use something unexpected. Be prepared for the Lord to work at any place, at any time, and through anyone he chooses.

(3:10) Samuel Learns to Listen to the Lord - Samuel was young, but he was learning to listen to God. Many priests and even King Saul would not do so. The whole nation of Israel found it difficult (Psalm 95:6-8). Each day we can begin our prayers this way: "Speak to me, Lord. I'm listening."

(3:13) Eli Neglects His Family - Eli had spent his entire life in service to God. His responsibility was to oversee all the worship in Israel. But in pursuing this great mission, he neglected the responsibilities in his own home. Don't let your desire to do God's work cause you to neglect your family. If you do, your mission may degenerate into a quest for personal importance, and your family will suffer the consequences of your neglect.

(3:14) A Severe Punishment - God was saying that the sin of Eli's sons could not be covered by sacrifice and that their punishment was certain. These sins were so serious and Eli's sons so entrenched in their wickedness that there was no remedy for the situation.

(3:20) A Term for Boundaries - The phrase "from Dan . . to Beer-sheba" was often used to describe the boundaries of the Promised Land. Dan was one of the northernmost cities in the land, and Beer-sheba was one of the cities farthest south. In this context, it was a way of emphasizing that everyone in Israel knew that Samuel had been called to be a prophet.