Peter Pett's Commentary on the Bible
1 Samuel 3:2-6
YHWH Approaches Samuel (1 Samuel 3:2) .
‘ And it came about on that day, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to wax dim, so that he could not see), and the lamp of God was not yet gone out, and Samuel was laid down to sleep, in the temple of YHWH, where the ark of God was, that YHWH called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am.” '
It cannot be accidental that the writer provides us with this detail. Outwardly the scene was commonplace. Old and almost blind Eli had lain down in his quarters in the sacred area surrounding the Tabernacle, probably in one of the Tabernacle buildings which surrounded it. Eli's condition explains why Samuel thought that it was Eli who was calling for assistance. The sevenfold lampstand still had its light burning through the night as it always had at nights. This demonstrates that dawn had not yet arrived for it was still lit. And Samuel also, having finished his duties for the day had also lain down to sleep ‘in the temple of YHWH where the Ark of God was'. This does not necessarily mean that he slept inside the Sanctuary, although it is possible. It probably means that he slept in the wider Temple area which included the store rooms and the sleeping quarters for those dedicated to YHWH. The point of its being ‘where the Ark of God was' lay in the fact that it was the Ark which represented the presence of YHWH, and it was YHWH Who was about to speak to him. This last is especially significant in that the Ark would not be there all that much longer. It would shortly be captured by the Philistines and defiled, with the result that, although it was soon returned, it would for a considerable period be unavailable for worship (all through the judgeship of Samuel and the kingship of Saul). But at this stage the Ark was still with His people, and, unknown to Israel, the One Whom it represented was about to call the one who would later act in its place as YHWH's representative, and would restore Israel.
But we may, also see behind the details described the state of Israel. Their leadership was almost blind, and while their light was not yet out, it was on the point of ‘going out'. The situation was spiritually grim. And it was only saved by YHWH speaking from the Ark of God for the last time for many years.
And so from His throne on the Ark, from the place of propitiation, the mercy seat, YHWH called to Samuel by name. Samuel was used to a voice calling in the night for the ailing Eli no doubt often had to seek his help. So when he heard the voice he thought that it could only be Eli. He was not yet at this stage used to hearing the voice of YHWH.
‘ And he ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down.'
On hearing the voice Samuel ran to where Eli was lying and said, ‘Here I am for you called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call my son. Go back to bed.” And Samuel returned to his bed. Notice Eli's description of Samuel as ‘his son'. We may certainly see that he has adopted Samuel so that he could legitimately be a priest.
‘ And YHWH called yet again, “Samuel.” And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.”
Then YHWH again called his name, and again Samuel went to Eli saying, ‘Here I am for you called me.” And again he replied, “I did not call my son, go back to bed.”