Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 3 - Verse 3

In this verse, we see the significance of the lamp of God in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was kept. The lamp symbolized the presence of God and His guidance for the people of Israel. It was meant to burn continually as a reminder of God's eternal presence among His people. The lamp also served a practical purpose, illuminating the temple so that the priests could perform their duties and the people could come to worship. The fact that the lamp had not yet gone out indicates that it was still early in the night, and that Samuel was lying down to sleep after a day of serving in the temple. This verse sets the stage for Samuel's call from God later in the night, illustrating that God's guidance was always present, even in the darkness of the night.

In this verse, the phrase "lamp of God" holds special theological significance. The lamp in the temple of the Lord represented the presence of God and His guidance for His people. The light of the lamp was a symbol of God's enduring presence and his illumination of the path for his followers. The fact that the lamp was still burning before Samuel went to sleep indicates that God was still actively present and working in the midst of his people. This imagery of God's lamp going out can be seen as a foreshadowing of the spiritual darkness that would come upon the people of Israel when they turned away from God. It serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's presence and guidance in our lives to avoid spiritual darkness. The placement of Samuel in the temple where the ark of God was further emphasizes his connection to God and his role as a prophet and leader chosen by God.