“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.”
The Chaldea text readeth, while Eli lived. Because there were very few Prophets to declare it.
“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;”
In the Court next to the Tabernacle.
“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;”
That is, the lamps which burnt in the night.
“That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.”
Josephus writeth that Samuel was 12 years old, when the Lord appeared to him.
“And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.”
Such was the corruption of those times that the chief Priest was become dull and negligent to understand the Lord’s appearing.
“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.”
Cross references: : 2 Kings 21:12 God declareth what sudden fear shall come upon men, when they shall hear that the Ark is taken, and also see Eli’s house destroyed.
“And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.”
Meaning that his posterity should never enjoy the chief Priest’s office.
“And he said, What is the thing that the LORD hath said unto thee? I pray thee hide it not from me: God do so to thee, and more also, if thou hide any thing from me of all the things that he said unto thee. more also: Hebr. so add any thing: or, word”
God punish thee after this and that sort, except thou tell me truth, Ruth 1:17 .
“And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground.”
The Lord accomplished whatsoever he had said.
“And all Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. established: or, faithful”
Or, that Samuel was the faithful Prophet of the Lord.
“And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD.”
Hebrew, by the word of the Lord .