1 Samuel 3:15-21 - He revealed Himself to Samuel through His word

3:15-17

Samuel lay down pondering these things, aware of the awesomeness of them. He did not want to tell Eli what the Lord had said to him. Few, not even Samuel, enjoy giving bad news to people. This time Eli calls Samuel and inquires as to what the Lord said to him. Eli had received the words of the prophet some time ago, and knew that they would come to pass at some point. He instructs Samuel to tell him the truth, otherwise Samuel would suffer judgement.

3:18-21

Samuel now tells Eli all that the Lord had said. Eli, having received the earlier word, accepted what Samuel said, knowing that it was indeed from the Lord. Eli was resigned to the matter. After this Samuel continued to grow. Traditionally it is believed that Samuel was twelve years old when these things happened, and that would make sense. Moreover, all of Israel recognised that Samuel was a prophet of the Lord. None of the judges had been recognised as men of God. The Lord continued to “reveal Himself to Samuel through His word”. It is through His word that God reveals Himself to us.