1 Samuel 3:1

1 SAMUEL CHAPTER 3 The Lord calleth Samuel three times; he knows not God's voice, but thinks it to be Eli who calls him; runs to him, who instructs him, 1 Samuel 3:1. At the fourth call he answers, 1 Samuel 3:10. God acquainteth Samuel with the destruction of Eli's house, 1 Samuel 1:11. Samuel in the morning discovers it to Eli, at his request: Eli's submission, 1 Samuel 1:15. All Israel acknowledgeth Samuel for a prophet, 1 Samuel 1:19. Before Eli, i.e. under his inspection and direction, which, being so young, he needed. The word of the Lord, to wit, the word of prophecy, or the revelation of God's will to and by the prophets. Was precious, i, e. rare or scarce, such things being most precious in men's esteem, whereas common things are generally despised. There was no open vision; God did not impart his mind by way of vision or revelation openly, or to any public person. to whom others might resort for satisfaction, though he might or did privately reveal himself to some pious persons for their particular direction. This is here premised as a reason why Samuel understood not, when God called him once or twice.