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NASB | 1 Samuel 3:3 and the lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD where the ark of God was, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Samuel 3:3 and the [oil] lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, |
Bible Question: In our study group we are trying to decide exactly where Samuel was sleeping. Some say in reading this that he was in the MOST HOLY place. Some say there is no way this could be. The NIV study bible notes say they were sleeping in cells within the tabernacle walls. However there is no reference to "sleeping quarters" in the Bible. Nor materials listed to include them. So what is the real answer? |
Bible Answer: Dear rns, there is a commentary by Matthew Henry (1714), that shares some insight into the arrangement. some of this follows: In Verse 2: Eli had retired. Samuel had waited on him to his bed, and the rest that attended the service of the sanctuary had gone, we may suppose, to their several apartments: Eli had laid down in his place; he went to bed betimes, being unfit for business and soon weary of it, and perhaps loving his ease too well. Probably he kept his chamber much, which gave his sons the greater liberty. And he sought retirement the more because his eyes began to wax dim, an affliction which came justly upon him for winking at his sons’ faults. Verse 3: Samuel had laid down to sleep, in some closet near to Eli’s room, as his page of the back-stairs, ready within call if the old man should want any thing in the night, perhaps to read to him if he could not sleep. He chose to take Samuel into this office rather than any of his own family, because of the towardly disposition he observed in him. When his own sons were a grief to him, his little servitor was his joy. Let those that are afflicted in their children thank God if they have any about them in whom they are comforted. Samuel had laid down ere the lamp of God went out. It should seem he lay somewhere so near the holy place that he went to bed by that light, before any of the lamps in the branches of the candlestick went out (for the main lamp never went out), which probably was towards midnight. Till that time Samuel had been employing himself in some good exercise or other, reading and prayer, or perhaps cleaning or making ready the holy place; and then went softly to his bed. Then we may expect God’s gracious visits, when we are constant and diligent in our duty. -I hope I have been of good service, rm |
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Questions and/or Subjects for 1 Sam 3:3 | Author | ||
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kalos | ||
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Renovate Me | ||
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Renovate Me | ||
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