Justin Houtz

1 Samuel 3, Revelation 1

DateVersionReading Plan
August 27, 2025ESV (2016)OT/NT Plan 2025 – 2027

1 Samuel 3

Observation & Interpretation

1 Sam. 3:1 – The word of the Lord was rare in the days when Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli.

  • During the period of the judges, the nation is characterized by flagrant sin. The lack of communication from God indicates His displeasure. (FSB)

1 Sam. 3:3 – The author describes that Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.

  • Samuel was in close proximity to the ark of the covenant.

1 Sam. 3:9 – Eli instructed Samuel on how he was to respond to the LORD if He were to call Samuel again.

  • Eli’s suggested words to Samuel, “Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening”, provide a model prayer for those who seek to follow God’s will. (CSB Notes)

1 Sam. 3:14 – The LORD → Samuel that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever.

  • Their iniquity was such that there could be no atonement by offering or sacrifice.
  • Sacrifice could not atone for their iniquity, their doom was sealed and confirmed to Eli in the mouth of two witnesses: The man of God (chap. 2) and the boy prophet, Samuel (v. 14) (BBC)

Application

1 Sam. 3:1-4:1a – When standards of truth and upright conduct are abandoned on every side, the Spirit-inspired Word must have a central place in our lives if we are not to lose our spiritual moorings. Only then will darkness be dispelled and we will appreciate the work of the one who is truly light, and in his light see light (Ps. 36:19) (ESVEC – Response)

Revelation 1

Observation & Interpretation

Rev. 1.1 – John speaks of how Jesus is coming on the cloud, that every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him.

  • Everyone will see Jesus at His return
  • His advent will be neither local nor invisible, because every eye will se Him (cf. Matt. 24:29, 30). The people who were guilty of His crucifixion will be aghast. In fact, all the tribes of the earth will be plunged into mourning because He comes to judge His enemies and set up His kingdom. Believers do not mourn His Coming; they say, “Even so, Amen.” (BBC)

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