Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 3 - Verse 15
Meaning
After having a vision from the Lord during the night, Samuel waited until morning to open the doors of the house of the Lord. The verse mentions that Samuel feared to show Eli the vision he had received. This fear may have stemmed from the content of the vision itself, which may have encompassed a difficult message or prophecy that Samuel felt hesitant to share. Additionally, Samuel may have been concerned about how Eli would react to the vision, as it might have contained troubling news or consequences. This verse highlights the gravity of the communication between Samuel and God, as well as the weight of the messages that were entrusted to Samuel as a prophet. It showcases the complexities and responsibilities that come with being a messenger of God's will, as well as the reverence and respect that Samuel had for the house of the Lord and for his mentor, Eli.
Theological Overview
The verse "And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision." provides a glimpse into the prophet Samuel's early experiences with God. The act of opening the doors of the house of the LORD can be seen as symbolic of Samuel's willingness to serve and his emerging role as a faithful servant of God. Samuel's fear in showing Eli the vision highlights the weightiness of the message he received from God and the importance of delivering it accurately. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes the themes of obedience, reverence, and the role of prophets as messengers of divine revelations. Samuel's actions in this verse serve as a foreshadowing of his future as a key figure in Israel's history and God's chosen vessel for delivering important messages to his people.