1 Samuel 3:19-21

Samuel Stood with the LORD

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19And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground.

20So all Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.

21And the LORD continued to appear at Shiloh, because there He revealed Himself to Samuel by His word.

Berean Standard Bible

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Samuel grows, and the LORD is with him. God lets none of his words fall to the ground: what Samuel speaks as His prophet proves dependable. The authority of his message comes from the LORD who speaks and fulfills His word.

All Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, recognizes Samuel as a prophet of the LORD. His ministry is no longer known only within Eli's household at Shiloh. The whole land comes to know that God has established him.

The LORD continues to appear at Shiloh and reveals Himself to Samuel by His word. The chapter began with revelation being rare. It ends with God continuing to make Himself known. The failures of Eli's family have not silenced Him or left Israel without His message.

This is good news about God's faithfulness before it is an example of a faithful servant. Samuel can speak because the LORD reveals Himself, and Israel can receive his words because the LORD confirms them.

Questions

1 Who established Samuel’s ministry as he grew?

AnswerThe LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. Samuel’s authority as a prophet depended on God’s presence and revelation.

2 What happened to Samuel's words?

AnswerNone of Samuel's words fell to the ground; his ministry was shown to be reliable.

3 How far did Israel recognize Samuel as a prophet?

AnswerAll Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, recognized that Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the LORD.

4 How did the LORD reveal Himself at Shiloh?

AnswerThe LORD continued to appear at Shiloh and revealed Himself there by His word to Samuel.

What This Means for Us

Our confidence in Scripture rests on the God who makes Himself known and keeps His word. Samuel's prophetic calling is not a promise that our own impressions are infallible. Receive God's revealed word with trust, and be willing to test your opinions against it. Honest service includes admitting when we have misunderstood.

Prayer

Faithful God, continue to speak truth in a world full of noise and self-promotion. Make our words dependable and our conduct honest. Give our household patience to recognize trustworthy service and courage to test every claim by Your word. Amen.

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