1 Samuel 3 Commentary
In those days, the word of the LORD was rare. Probably because there was no one to listen.
Israel’s spirituality was at its lowest, typical of the time of the Judges.
Yes, the word of the LORD is rare even at the House of the LORD at Shiloh!
But the LORD begins to speak to Samuel. The first message concerns God’s judgment against the house of Eli.
Eli’s sin is complacency – a reluctance to confront wickedness. It translates into negligence – zero care for the things that matter most.
There should be pain and great discomfort as the saint witnesses worsening moral standards. The saint shouldn’t adjust and become comfortable with wickedness. It’s a battle front and not a point of truce. Then Eli is not judged!
We can take great interest in the LORD calling Samuel by name. Indeed, He knows my name.
But why does the LORD want Samuel to know what the LORD is about to do? For “your information” purposes? No.
Samuel is taking over from Eli. The LORD explains why this is going to happen. The reason is not that sin happened, but importantly, because when sin happened, Eli did nothing. This is really very important.
The biggest scandal is not that we fall but that we do nothing when we fall.
Therefore, the message to the young leader is that there is a need for action to restore the fear of the LORD in the community. Then events such as the one about to happen can be avoided.
The judgment on the house of Eli would have been avoided had Eli taken action. Judgment on the sinner can be avoided if the sinner takes action or if those around the sinner take action. This seems to be the main point of the message from the LORD.
Eli’s response is that of general resignation and defeat. At this stage, there is very little that can be done. But there was a time when the possibility existed for action. It was never taken.
Interestingly, the scripture records that Eli did call his sons and rebuked them over their sin. Chapter 2 verses 22 to 25. Probably this action wasn’t good enough. Probably this action was too little, too late. Who knows?
There is one important lesson here. Mere acknowledgment of sin without an attempt to resolve it is not good enough. The saint must be ruthless about sin. Mere talk of repentance without actual repentance would not stand in defense of anyone.
Leaders carry an extra responsibility. Eli was undoubtedly a good man. And as a person, he would pass for a god-fearing man. But it is his leadership that can be questioned. Church leaders must know they are accountable.
Hate wickedness, be it within or without. Eli’s responsibility was to protect the glory of God at all times. He failed. This may be speaking to the saint living in a world that regards sin as nothing. Our reaction must be one of righteous anger and constant inner discomfort. Truce with sin isn’t an option.
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