In chapter 3 God reveals
Himself to Samuel; and he is known to be a prophet of
Jehovah from Dan even to Beersheba.
Eli's failure, but
personal piety and submission
Eli, judged for having
loved his sons more than Jehovah, comforts our hearts
nevertheless by his submission. If he failed in the
energy of faithfulness, he was yet true in heart to
Jehovah, and his personal piety is the more conspicuous
in the devotedness to God's glory which he manifests in
these circumstances, finding his death in the Ichabod of
His people.
Sad and affecting history
of the effect of God's righteous judgment upon one whose
heart was set upon His glory in His people, but who had
not had firmness enough to prevent the people, and even
his own sons, from dishonouring Jehovah Himself in the
priestly service!
Here begins the display of
the means which God employs in His sovereignty to be in
relationship with His people, when the ordinary relations
He had established are interrupted.
1 Samuel 3 Bible Commentary
John Darby’s Synopsis
In chapter 3 God reveals Himself to Samuel; and he is known to be a prophet of Jehovah from Dan even to Beersheba.
Eli's failure, but personal piety and submission
Eli, judged for having loved his sons more than Jehovah, comforts our hearts nevertheless by his submission. If he failed in the energy of faithfulness, he was yet true in heart to Jehovah, and his personal piety is the more conspicuous in the devotedness to God's glory which he manifests in these circumstances, finding his death in the Ichabod of His people.
Sad and affecting history of the effect of God's righteous judgment upon one whose heart was set upon His glory in His people, but who had not had firmness enough to prevent the people, and even his own sons, from dishonouring Jehovah Himself in the priestly service!
Here begins the display of the means which God employs in His sovereignty to be in relationship with His people, when the ordinary relations He had established are interrupted.