1 Samuel 3:10-15
Lord came <0935 03068> [the Lord came.]
This seems to imply a visible appearance, as well as an audible voice.
<06471> [as at other.]
Samuel did not now rise and run as before, when thought he Eli called, but lay still and listened. All must be silent, when God speaks. Observe, however, Samuel in his reply left out one word: he did not say, Speak, Lord, but only Speak, for thy servant heareth; perhaps, as Bp. Patrick suggests, out of uncertainty, whether it was God that spake to him or not. However, by this answer way was made for the message he was now to receive, and Samuel was brought acquainted with the words of God and visions of the Almighty.
do <06213> [I will do.]
both .... ears <0241 08147> [both the ears.]
carry out <06965> [I will perform.]
start <02490> [when I begin, etc. Heb. beginning and ending.]
tell ........ judge <05046 05704 08199> [For I have told him. or, And I will tell him, etc.]
judge <08199> [I will.]
knew <03045> [which he knoweth.]
sons <01121> [his sons.]
cursing <07043> [vile. or, accursed. restrained them not. Heb. frowned not upon them.]
sin <05771> [the iniquity.]
opened <06605> [opened.]
Samuel ................ Samuel <08050> [Samuel.]
Samuel reverenced Eli as a father, and feared to distress him by shewing what God had purposed to do. It does not appear that God commanded Samuel to deliver this message; he therefore did not attempt it till adjured by Eli. It might be supposed that Samuel would have been so full of ecstasy as to have forgotten his ordinary service, and run amongst his friends to tell them of the converse he had with God in the night: but he modestly keeps it to himself. Our secret communion with God is not to be proclaimed on the house-top.
afraid <03372> [feared.]
