1 Samuel 3:20-4:1 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 3:19-21

Samuel being thus brought acquainted with the visions of God, we have here an account of the further honour done him as a prophet. I. God did him honour. Having begun to favour him, he carried on and crowned his own work in him: Samuel grew, for the Lord was with him, 1 Sam. 3:19. All our increase in wisdom and grace is owing to the presence of God with us; this is all in all to our growth. God honoured Samuel, 1. By further manifestations of himself to him. Samuel had faithfully delivered the... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 3:20

And all Israel, from Dan even unto Beersheba ,.... That is, from the most northern border of the land of Israel, on which Dan lay, to the utmost border of it southward, where Beersheba was, the fame of Samuel for his piety, prudence, and prophecy, was spread abroad; so that all knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord ; or that he was faithful F26 נאמן "fidelis", V. L. Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version. to God and man, to be credited in what he said; and so... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 3:20

All Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba - Through the whole extent of Palestine; Dan being at the northern, Beer-sheba at the southern extremity. Was established to be a prophet - The word נאמן neeman , which we translate established, signifies faithful: The faithful Samuel was a prophet of the Lord. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 3:15-21

Diverse experiences. The principal facts are— 1 . Samuel, on entering upon his daily duties, fears to relate to Eli what had been told him. 2 . Eli, under the action of conscience, and convinced that something important has been communicated, employs strong pressure to obtain it from Samuel. 3 . Eli, hearing the account, recognises the righteousness of the judgment. 4 . Samuel's position as prophet is established through the land. Samuel rose a new youth. During one night... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 3:20

From Dan, upon the north, to Beersheba, upon the south, means "throughout the whole country." The phrase is interesting, as showing that, in spite of the virtual independence of the tribes, and the general anarchy which prevailed during the time of the judges, there was nevertheless a feeling that they all formed one people. Was established. The same word used in Numbers 12:7 of Moses, and there translated was faithful. It is one of those pregnant words common in Hebrew, containing... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 3:20

From Dan ... - See Judges 20:1 note. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 3:20-21

1 Samuel 3:20-21. All Israel, from Dan, &c. That is, through the whole land, from the northern bound, Dan, to the southern, Beer-sheba: which was the whole length of the land. That Samuel was established, &c. That is, settled to be a constant prophet. The Lord appeared again, &c. Having begun to appear to him in Shiloh, he continued this great favour, and revealed himself, not by dreams and visions, but by speaking to him with an audible voice, as he had done at first. And... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 3:19-21

Samuel - prophet, judge, priest (3:19-21)Years passed and Samuel developed into a religious and civil leader known and respected throughout the land, from Dan in the far north to Beersheba in the far south (19-21). He was a prophet who made known God’s will to the people (see 3:20-21) and a judge who ruled over the civil affairs of the people (see 7:15). In addition he was appointed by God to carry out priestly duties even though he was not a descendant of Aaron (see 7:9; 1 Chronicles... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 3:20

established, &c. Samuel was the first of "the prophets "and last of the judges, preparing the way for the change of government. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - 1 Samuel 3:19-20

1 Samuel 3:19-20. The Lord was with him, and did let none of his words fall, &c.— None of the predictions of Samuel were unaccomplished; in the same manner as an arrow shot by a good archer fails not to arrive at its mark; for this is the metaphor. See Schultens's Orig. Heb. pars 2: page 143. Thus the Lord shewed that he was with him, or blessed him. Compare Genesis 31:2. read more