What does 1 Samuel 3:2 mean?
"And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;" - 1 Samuel 3:2
The King James Version of 1 Samuel 3:2 states, "And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see."
This verse is part of the larger narrative in 1 Samuel 3, which tells the story of the prophet Samuel's calling to ministry. In this verse, we are given the context of the time in which the events take place. Eli, the high priest at Shiloh, is depicted as an elderly and frail man whose eyesight is failing. This verse sets the stage for the revelation that follows, where the Lord calls out to Samuel in the night.
The phrase "when Eli was laid down in his place" suggests a sense of tranquility and restfulness. It is a moment when Eli, the established religious authority, is settled in his role and seems to have everything in order. However, the mention of his failing eyesight introduces a note of vulnerability and fragility. This physical description of Eli's diminishing eyesight may also be seen as a symbolic representation of his spiritual insight and leadership. His inability to see physically may foreshadow his failure to perceive and address the moral and spiritual decay that is taking place within the religious community under his care.
The deeper meaning of this verse can be understood within the larger context of the book of 1 Samuel. The time in which this story takes place is a period of transition for the nation of Israel. The people are governed by judges, and there is a moral and spiritual decline among them. The priesthood, represented by Eli and his sons, is also corrupted and in need of reform. It is within this context that the calling of Samuel becomes significant, as he is chosen by God to be a new and faithful leader for the people.
The verse can also be seen as a commentary on the state of leadership within the religious establishment. Eli, as the high priest, represents the religious leadership of the time, and his physical and spiritual decline mirrors the state of the priesthood. The image of a leader whose "eyes began to wax dim" serves as a metaphor for the spiritual blindness and moral complacency that has taken hold within the religious leadership. This sets the stage for the need for a new prophet like Samuel who can see clearly and lead with integrity and faithfulness.
Additionally, this verse sets the stage for the revelation that follows in which the Lord calls out to Samuel. The juxtaposition of Eli's physical blindness and Samuel's spiritual receptiveness serves as a contrast that highlights the need for new, faithful leadership. This verse underscores the theme of God's sovereign intervention in human affairs and His ability to raise up new leaders in unexpected places.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 3:2 provides important context for the larger narrative of Samuel's calling and the state of religious leadership in Israel. Through its depiction of Eli's physical and spiritual decline, the verse serves as a commentary on the need for new, faithful leadership and the divine intervention of God in raising up leaders. It also sets the stage for the revelation that follows, in which Samuel is called by God to serve as a faithful prophet and leader for the nation of Israel.
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1 Samuel 3:2 - "And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;"
"And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;" - 1 Samuel 3:2
2 Samuel 3:2 - "¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;"
1 Samuel 3:1-10
2 Samuel 3:1 - "Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker."
1 Samuel 2:3 - "Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed."
1 Samuel 3:3 - "And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;"
1 Samuel 3:10 - "And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth."
2 Samuel 1:3 - "And David said unto him, From whence comest thou? And he said unto him, Out of the camp of Israel am I escaped."
1 Samuel 3:16 - "Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 3:4 - "That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I."
1 Samuel 3:15 - "¶ And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision."
1 Samuel 3:1 - "And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision."
1 samuel 17:3
1 Samuel 3:19 - "¶ And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground."
1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
1 Samuel 3:20 - "And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD."
1 Samuel 5: 3-4
1 Samuel 3:7 - "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him."
2 Samuel 4:3 - "And the Beerothites fled to Gittaim, and were sojourners there until this day.)"
"¶ And unto David were sons born in Hebron: and his firstborn was Amnon, of Ahinoam the Jezreelitess;" - 2 Samuel 3:2
2 Samuel 3:4 - "And the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;"
2 Samuel 3:3 - "And his second, Chileab, of Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah the daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;"
1 Samuel 2:26 - "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."
1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."
1 Samuel 9:1-2
1 Samuel 3:11 - "¶ And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle."
2 Samuel 3:33 - "And the king lamented over Abner, and said, Died Abner as a fool dieth?"
2 Samuel 3:5 - "And the sixth, Ithream, by Eglah David's wife. These were born to David in Hebron."
2 Samuel 2:3 - "And his men that were with him did David bring up, every man with his household: and they dwelt in the cities of Hebron."