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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/1_samuel/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the LORD, where the ark of God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was sleeping in the Tabernacle near the Ark of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/1_samuel/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God <i>was</i>, and Samuel was laid down <i>to sleep</i>;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/1_samuel/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />and before the lamp of God went out in the tabernacle of the LORD where the ark of God <i>was,</i> and while Samuel was lying down,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/1_samuel/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God <i>was,</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/1_samuel/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God <i>was,</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/1_samuel/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of Yahweh where the ark of God <i>was</i>,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/1_samuel/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />and the [oil] lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/1_samuel/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/1_samuel/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the tabernacle of the LORD, where the ark of God was located. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/1_samuel/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and the lamp of God was not yet gone out, and Samuel was laid down to sleep, in the temple of Jehovah, where the ark of God was;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/1_samuel/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and Samuel was sleeping on a mat near the sacred chest in the LORD's house. They had not been asleep very long <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/1_samuel/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and the lamp of God was not yet gone out, and Samuel was laid down to sleep, in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/1_samuel/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The lamp in God's temple hadn't gone out yet, and Samuel was asleep in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was kept. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/1_samuel/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Samuel was sleeping in the sanctuary, where the sacred Covenant Box was. Before dawn, while the lamp was still burning, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/1_samuel/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The lamp of God had not yet been extinguished, and Samuel was lying down in the tent of the LORD where the Ark of God was. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/1_samuel/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />and the lamp of God had not yet been extinguished. Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD as well; the ark of God was also there.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/1_samuel/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and the lamp of God hadn't yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple, where the ark of God was,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/1_samuel/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />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;<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/1_samuel/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was located.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/1_samuel/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />and God’s lamp hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in Yahweh’s temple where God’s ark was, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/1_samuel/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the lamp of God is not yet extinguished, and Samuel is lying down in the temple of YHWH, where the Ark of God [is],<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/1_samuel/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the lamp of God is not yet extinguished, and Samuel is lying down in the temple of Jehovah, where the ark of God is,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/1_samuel/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And before the lamp of God shall go out, and Samuel lay down in the edifice of Jehovah where there the ark of God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/1_samuel/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Before the lamp of God went out, Samuel slept in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/1_samuel/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so, to prevent the lamp of God from going out, Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/1_samuel/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The lamp of God was not yet extinguished, and Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/1_samuel/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/1_samuel/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the lamp of the LORD was not yet put out, and Samuel was lying down to sleep in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/1_samuel/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the lamp of LORD JEHOVAH had not yet gone out, and Shemueil lay down in the temple of LORD JEHOVAH where the ark of God was<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/1_samuel/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and the lamp of God was not yet gone out, and Samuel was laid down to sleep in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/1_samuel/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the lamp of God <i>was burning</i> before it was trimmed, and Samuel slept in the temple, where <i>was</i> the ark of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/1_samuel/3-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/H8oQfYUMRZg?start=753" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/1_samuel/3.htm">The LORD Calls Samuel</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>And at that time Eli, whose eyesight had grown so dim that he could not see, was lying in his room. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/2962.htm" title="2962: ṭe·rem (Adv) -- From an unused root apparently meaning to interrupt or suspend; properly, non-occurrence; used adverbially, not yet or before.">Before</a> <a href="/hebrew/5216.htm" title="5216: wə·nêr (Conj-w:: N-msc) -- A lamp. Or nir; also neyr; or ner; or nerah; from a primitive root properly, meaning to glisten; a lamp or light.">the lamp</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/3518.htm" title="3518: yiḵ·beh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be quenched or extinguished, to go out. A primitive root; to expire or to extinguish.">had gone out,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8050.htm" title="8050: ū·šə·mū·’êl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Name of God, a prophet of Isr. From the passive participle of shama' and 'el; heard of God; Shemuel, the name of three Israelites.">Samuel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7901.htm" title="7901: šō·ḵêḇ (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To lie down. A primitive root; to lie down.">was lying down</a> <a href="/hebrew/1964.htm" title="1964: bə·hê·ḵal (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A palace, temple. Probably from yakol; a large public building, such as a palace or temple.">in the temple</a> <a href="/hebrew/3068.htm" title="3068: Yah·weh (N-proper-ms) -- The proper name of the God of Israel. From hayah; self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God.">of the LORD,</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/727.htm" title="727: ’ă·rō·wn (N-csc) -- A chest, ark. Or laron; from 'arah; a box.">the ark</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hîm (N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God</a> <a href="/hebrew/8033.htm" title="8033: šām (Adv) -- There, thither. A primitive particle; there then; often thither, or thence.">was located.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/25-31.htm">Exodus 25:31-40</a></span><br />Then you are to make a lampstand of pure, hammered gold. It shall be made of one piece, including its base and shaft, its cups, and its buds and petals. / Six branches are to extend from the sides of the lampstand—three on one side and three on the other. / There are to be three cups shaped like almond blossoms on the first branch, each with buds and petals, three on the next branch, and the same for all six branches that extend from the lampstand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/24-2.htm">Leviticus 24:2-4</a></span><br />“Command the Israelites to bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to keep the lamps burning continually. / Outside the veil of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps continually before the LORD from evening until morning. This is to be a permanent statute for the generations to come. / He shall tend the lamps on the pure gold lampstand before the LORD continually.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/8-2.htm">Numbers 8:2-3</a></span><br />“Speak to Aaron and tell him: ‘When you set up the seven lamps, they are to light the area in front of the lampstand.’” / And Aaron did so; he set up the lamps facing toward the front of the lampstand, just as the LORD had commanded Moses.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/13-11.htm">2 Chronicles 13:11</a></span><br />Every morning and every evening they present burnt offerings and fragrant incense to the LORD. They set out the rows of showbread on the ceremonially clean table, and every evening they light the lamps of the gold lampstand. We are carrying out the requirements of the LORD our God, while you have forsaken Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-7.htm">2 Chronicles 29:7</a></span><br />They also shut the doors of the portico and extinguished the lamps. They did not burn incense or present burnt offerings in the Holy Place of the God of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-25.htm">2 Chronicles 29:25-30</a></span><br />Hezekiah stationed the Levites in the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres according to the command of David, of Gad the king’s seer, and of Nathan the prophet. For the command had come from the LORD through His prophets. / The Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. / And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/18-28.htm">Psalm 18:28</a></span><br />For You, O LORD, light my lamp; my God lights up my darkness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-105.htm">Psalm 119:105</a></span><br />Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/42-6.htm">Isaiah 42:6-7</a></span><br />“I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose, and I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and appoint you to be a covenant for the people and a light to the nations, / to open the eyes of the blind, to bring prisoners out of the dungeon and those sitting in darkness out from the prison house.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1-3</a></span><br />Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you. / For behold, darkness covers the earth, and thick darkness is over the peoples; but the LORD will rise upon you, and His glory will appear over you. / Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a></span><br />You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a></span><br />“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/4-21.htm">Mark 4:21</a></span><br />Jesus also said to them, “Does anyone bring in a lamp to put it under a basket or under a bed? Doesn’t he set it on a stand?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-33.htm">Luke 11:33-36</a></span><br />No one lights a lamp and puts it in a cellar or under a basket. Instead, he sets it on a stand, so those who enter can see the light. / Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body also is full of light. But when they are bad, your body is full of darkness. / Be careful, then, that the light within you is not darkness. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-9</a></span><br />In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. / There came a man who was sent from God. His name was John. ...</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">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;</p><p class="hdg">ere.</p><p class="hdg">the lamp</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/27-20.htm">Exodus 27:20,21</a></b></br> And thou shalt command the children of Israel, that they bring thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/30-7.htm">Exodus 30:7,8</a></b></br> And Aaron shall burn thereon sweet incense every morning: when he dresseth the lamps, he shall burn incense upon it… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/24-2.htm">Leviticus 24:2-4</a></b></br> Command the children of Israel, that they bring unto thee pure oil olive beaten for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually… </p><p class="hdg">the temple</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/1-6.htm">1 Samuel 1:6</a></b></br> And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/5-7.htm">Psalm 5:7</a></b></br> But as for me, I will come <i>into</i> thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: <i>and</i> in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy temple.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/27-4.htm">Psalm 27:4</a></b></br> One <i>thing</i> have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/judges/20-27.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/judges/10-7.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/numbers/14-11.htm">Ere</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-12.htm">Extinguished</a> <a href="/judges/14-18.htm">Hadn't</a> <a href="/numbers/3-31.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/ruth/2-3.htm">Light</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/ruth/3-8.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/ruth/3-4.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-9.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/judges/17-7.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_samuel/4-3.htm">Ark</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-11.htm">Burning</a> <a href="/2_samuel/2-26.htm">Ere</a> <a href="/job/6-17.htm">Extinguished</a> <a href="/mark/6-52.htm">Hadn't</a> <a href="/2_samuel/21-17.htm">Lamp</a> <a href="/1_samuel/14-36.htm">Light</a> <a href="/1_samuel/3-4.htm">Samuel</a> <a href="/1_samuel/9-25.htm">Sleep</a> <a href="/1_samuel/26-7.htm">Sleeping</a> <a href="/1_samuel/5-2.htm">Temple</a> <a href="/1_samuel/7-13.htm">Within</a><div class="vheading2">1 Samuel 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/3-1.htm">How the word of the Lord was first revealed to Samuel</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/3-11.htm">God tells Samuel the destruction of Eli's house</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/3-15.htm">Samuel, though loath, tells Eli the vision</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/1_samuel/3-19.htm">Samuel grows in credit</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/1_samuel/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/1_samuel/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Before the lamp of God had gone out</b><br>This phrase refers to the lampstand in the tabernacle, which was to burn from evening until morning as commanded in <a href="/exodus/27-20.htm">Exodus 27:20-21</a>. The lamp symbolizes God's presence and guidance. The timing indicates the early morning hours, suggesting a period of transition and new beginnings. The lamp's light represents spiritual illumination and the ongoing revelation of God to His people.<p><b>Samuel was lying down</b><br>Samuel, a young boy dedicated to the Lord by his mother Hannah, was serving under Eli the priest. His lying down signifies his readiness to receive God's message. This posture of rest and openness is symbolic of a servant's heart, prepared to hear and obey God's call. Samuel's position also contrasts with Eli's spiritual dullness, highlighting the theme of God raising new leadership.<p><b>in the temple of the LORD</b><br>The term "temple" here refers to the tabernacle at Shiloh, the central place of worship before the construction of Solomon's Temple. This location is significant as it was the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The tabernacle served as a meeting point between God and Israel, emphasizing the sacredness of Samuel's environment and his proximity to divine revelation.<p><b>where the ark of God was located</b><br>The Ark of the Covenant, housed in the Most Holy Place, symbolized God's throne and His covenant with Israel. It contained the tablets of the Law, Aaron's rod, and a pot of manna, representing God's law, leadership, and provision. Samuel's proximity to the ark underscores the gravity of his calling and the direct communication he would receive from God. The ark's presence signifies God's faithfulness and the continuity of His promises, foreshadowing the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the true presence of God among His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/s/samuel.htm">Samuel</a></b><br>A young boy dedicated to the service of the Lord by his mother, Hannah. He is serving under Eli, the priest, in the tabernacle.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/eli.htm">Eli</a></b><br>The high priest of Israel at the time, responsible for the spiritual leadership of the nation and the care of the tabernacle.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tabernacle.htm">The Tabernacle</a></b><br>The portable dwelling place for the divine presence of God among the Israelites, containing the Ark of the Covenant.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_ark_of_god.htm">The Ark of God</a></b><br>A sacred chest that held the tablets of the Ten Commandments, representing God's covenant with Israel and His presence among them.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_lamp_of_god.htm">The Lamp of God</a></b><br>A lampstand in the tabernacle that was to burn continually, symbolizing God's eternal presence and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_presence_in_our_lives.htm">God's Presence in Our Lives</a></b><br>Just as the lamp in the tabernacle symbolized God's presence, we are called to be aware of and cherish God's presence in our daily lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_readiness.htm">Spiritual Readiness</a></b><br>Samuel's proximity to the Ark and the lamp signifies spiritual readiness. We should position ourselves to hear from God by staying close to His word and presence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_mentorship.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Mentorship</a></b><br>Samuel was under Eli's guidance. This highlights the importance of having spiritual mentors who can guide us in our faith journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_continuity_of_god's_light.htm">The Continuity of God's Light</a></b><br>The lamp was to burn continually, reminding us that God's guidance and truth are constant and reliable in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/listening_for_god's_voice.htm">Listening for God's Voice</a></b><br>Samuel was in a place where he could hear God. We should create environments in our lives where we can listen for God's voice, through prayer and meditation on Scripture.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_1_samuel_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_tabernacle_specs.htm">Exodus 25:9 – Is there any archaeological evidence supporting the exact specs or layout described for the tabernacle and its furniture? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_proof_believers_are_god's_temple.htm">In 1 Corinthians 3:16, what scientific verification exists for the claim that believers are literally God's temple and house the Spirit of God?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_was_god's_word_rare_in_1_samuel_3_1.htm">1 Samuel 3:1 - How can 'the word of the Lord' be rare when earlier biblical accounts suggest ongoing divine revelations?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_1_cor_3_17_align_with_mercy.htm">If 1 Corinthians 3:17 insists God will destroy those who destroy His temple, how does this square with passages elsewhere emphasizing mercy and forgiveness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/1_samuel/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3, 4) <span class= "bld">Ere the lamp of God went out.</span>--There is a Talmud comment here of singular interest and beauty: "On the day that Rabbi Akiva died, Rabbi (compiler of the Mishnah) was born; on the day when Rabbi died, Rav Yehudah was born; on the day when Rav Yehudah died, Rava was born; on the day when Rava died, Rav Ashi (one of the editors of <span class= "ital">Guemara</span>) was born. It teaches thee, that no righteous man departs this life before another equally righteous is born; as it is said (<a href="/ecclesiastes/1-5.htm" title="The sun also rises, and the sun goes down, and hastens to his place where he arose.">Ecclesiastes 1:5</a>): 'The sun riser, and the sun goes down.' The sun of Eli had not set before that of Samuel rose; as it is said (<a href="/1_samuel/3-3.htm" title="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;">1Samuel 3:3</a>): 'Ere the lamp of God was out . . . and Samuel laid down.'"--Tract <span class= "ital">Kiddushin, </span>fol. 72, Colossians 2.<p>"It was night in the sanctuary. The high priest slept in one of the adjacent chambers, and the attendant ministers in another. In the centre, on the left of the entrance, stood the seven-branched candlestick, now mentioned for the last time; superseded in the reign of Solomon by the ten separate candlesticks, but revived after the Captivity by the copy of the one candlestick with seven branches, as it is still seen on the Arch of Titus. It was the only light of the Tabernacle during the night, was solemnly lighted every evening, as in the devotions of the Eastern world, both Mussulman and Christian, and extinguished just before morning, when the doors were opened.<p>" In the deep silence of that early morning, before the sun had risen, when the sacred light was still burning, came through the mouth of the innocent child the doom of the house of Ithamar."--Stanley, <span class= "ital">Lectures on the Jewish Church, </span>Part I.<p><span class= "bld">The Lord called Samuel.</span>--It seems probable that the voice came from out of the "visible glory," the Shekinah, which on that solemn night of the calling of the child-prophet no doubt rested on its chosen earthly throne--the mercy-seat of God--which formed the top of the Ark, and which was overshadowed by the outspread wings of the golden Cherubim.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/1_samuel/3-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Before</span><br /><span class="heb">טֶ֣רֶם</span> <span class="translit">(ṭe·rem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Non-occurrence, not yet, before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the lamp</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנֵ֤ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·nêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5216.htm">Strong's 5216: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lamp, light</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had gone out,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִכְבֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(yiḵ·beh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3518.htm">Strong's 3518: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be quenched or extinguished, to go out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Samuel</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁמוּאֵ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·mū·’êl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8050.htm">Strong's 8050: </a> </span><span class="str2">Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was lying down</span><br /><span class="heb">שֹׁכֵ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(šō·ḵêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7901.htm">Strong's 7901: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lie down</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the temple</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּהֵיכַ֣ל</span> <span class="translit">(bə·hê·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1964.htm">Strong's 1964: </a> </span><span class="str2">A large public building, palace, temple</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the LORD,</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוָ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(Yah·weh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3068.htm">Strong's 3068: </a> </span><span class="str2">LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">where</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲשֶׁר־</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·šer-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the ark</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲר֥וֹן</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·rō·wn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_727.htm">Strong's 727: </a> </span><span class="str2">A chest, ark</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was located.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(šām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8033.htm">Strong's 8033: </a> </span><span class="str2">There, then, thither</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/1_samuel/3-3.htm">1 Samuel 3:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/1_samuel/3-3.htm">OT History: 1 Samuel 3:3 And the lamp of God hadn't yet (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/1_samuel/3-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="1 Samuel 3:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 3:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/1_samuel/3-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="1 Samuel 3:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="1 Samuel 3:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>