And Samuel grewSamuel's growth signifies not only physical maturation but also spiritual development. In the context of ancient Israel, growth often implied increasing wisdom and stature in the community. Samuel's upbringing in the temple under Eli's guidance positioned him uniquely for his prophetic role. His growth can be compared to that of Jesus, who "grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man" (
Luke 2:52).
and the LORD was with him
The presence of the LORD with Samuel indicates divine favor and guidance. This phrase echoes the covenantal promise seen throughout the Old Testament, where God assures His presence with His chosen leaders, such as Moses (Exodus 3:12) and Joshua (Joshua 1:5). It underscores Samuel's role as a prophet and leader, chosen by God to guide Israel during a tumultuous period.
and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground
This phrase signifies the effectiveness and reliability of Samuel's prophetic ministry. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a prophet's words were considered powerful and authoritative when they consistently came to pass. The imagery of words not falling to the ground suggests that everything Samuel spoke was fulfilled, affirming his role as a true prophet of God. This reliability is reminiscent of the prophetic accuracy expected of God's messengers, as seen inDeuteronomy 18:18-22. Samuel's words being upheld by God also prefigure the ultimate fulfillment of God's Word in Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
SamuelA young prophet and judge in Israel, dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah. He serves under Eli the priest and becomes a pivotal figure in Israel's history.
2.
The LORDThe covenant God of Israel, who calls Samuel to be His prophet and ensures that Samuel's words are fulfilled.
3.
EliThe high priest of Shiloh, under whose guidance Samuel grows up. Eli plays a significant role in Samuel's early life and spiritual development.
4.
ShilohThe religious center of Israel at the time, where the Ark of the Covenant is kept and where Samuel serves.
5.
Prophetic MinistryThe event of Samuel's calling marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry, where he becomes a reliable mouthpiece for God's word to Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Presence and FavorSamuel's effectiveness as a prophet was directly linked to the presence of the Lord with him. In our lives, seeking God's presence is crucial for spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry.
Faithfulness in Small BeginningsSamuel's journey began with small acts of service in the temple. Faithfulness in small tasks can lead to greater responsibilities and opportunities in God's kingdom.
The Power of God's WordThe fact that none of Samuel's words fell to the ground highlights the power and reliability of God's word. We should trust and proclaim God's word with confidence, knowing it will accomplish its purpose.
Spiritual Growth and MaturityJust as Samuel grew, we are called to grow in our spiritual walk, continually seeking to mature in our faith and understanding of God's will.
Role of MentorshipEli's role in Samuel's life underscores the importance of mentorship and guidance in spiritual development. We should seek and provide godly mentorship within the community of faith.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 3:19?
2.How can we ensure "none of his words fall to the ground" today?
3.What does 1 Samuel 3:19 teach about God's faithfulness to His servants?
4.How does Samuel's growth in 1 Samuel 3:19 inspire our spiritual development?
5.Connect 1 Samuel 3:19 with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God's guidance.
6.How can we apply Samuel's example of obedience in our daily lives?
7.How does 1 Samuel 3:19 demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises?
8.What does 1 Samuel 3:19 reveal about the nature of divine communication?
9.How does Samuel's role in 1 Samuel 3:19 challenge our understanding of prophetic authority?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 3?
11.Why do medical conditions like schizophrenia produce religious hallucinations?
12.1 Samuel 3 – Is there any archaeological support for Samuel’s early prophetic ministry, or is it solely dependent on this biblical narrative?
13.What are the key events in 1 Samuel?
14.How did Samuel lead Israel and anoint its first kings?What Does 1 Samuel 3:19 Mean
And Samuel grew• The verse opens with a simple, concrete statement of progress: “And Samuel grew.” Growth here is real and holistic—physical, spiritual, and relational. Earlier we were told, “The boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men” (1 Samuel 2:26), and this theme echoes the pattern later seen in Christ: “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men” (Luke 2:52).
• Samuel’s growth marks the steady unfolding of God’s plan despite the moral decline surrounding him (Judges 21:25). His life demonstrates that faithful obedience positions us to develop exactly as the Lord intends (Psalm 92:12-14).
• Practical takeaway: Growth is not an optional add-on for believers; it is expected. Just as Samuel didn’t remain a perpetual child in the tabernacle, we are called to mature in faith (Ephesians 4:15).
and the LORD was with him• Scripture records the Lord’s personal presence with key servants—Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39:2), Moses (Exodus 33:14), Joshua (Joshua 1:5). Samuel belongs in that line: God wasn’t distant; He was unmistakably “with him.”
• The divine presence gave Samuel authority well before Israel recognized him as prophet (1 Samuel 3:20). When God is “with” someone, His power, protection, and guidance follow (Psalm 23:4;Matthew 28:20).
• Notice the contrast with Eli’s household, where “the word of the LORD was rare” (1 Samuel 3:1). Samuel’s intimacy with God shines brighter against that backdrop.
• Practical takeaway: The Lord’s presence is the heartbeat of effective ministry. Talents or heritage cannot substitute for it (Zechariah 4:6).
and He let none of Samuel’s words fall to the ground• A vivid picture: not a single prophetic utterance dropped uselessly “to the ground.” God upheld every word, fulfilling it precisely. That fulfils His own standard: “When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD and the word does not come to pass… that is a word the LORD has not spoken” (Deuteronomy 18:22).
• Soon “all Israel from Dan to Beersheba” would recognize Samuel as an established prophet (1 Samuel 3:20), because the Lord Himself vindicated him. The same principle is later affirmed to Jeremiah: “I am watching over My word to accomplish it” (Jeremiah 1:12).
• This reliability undergirds our confidence in Scripture today (2 Timothy 3:16-17;Isaiah 55:11). If the Lord safeguarded Samuel’s spoken words, we can trust He has preserved the written Word for us with equal faithfulness.
• Practical takeaway: God’s promises never fail; our task is to know them, speak them faithfully, and expect Him to honor them (Joshua 21:45).
summarySamuel’s steady growth, the Lord’s abiding presence, and the flawless fulfillment of Samuel’s words combine to show how God develops, empowers, and authenticates His servants. We are invited to grow consistently, live consciously in the Lord’s presence, and trust wholeheartedly that every promise He has spoken will stand.
(19)
And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him.--Again in a brief sentence the life of Samuel was contrasted with another: this time with that of his predecessor in the judgeship. As the boy grew up to manhood, we hear that while, on the one hand, as, no doubt, in earlier days with Eli, so now with Samuel, the Lord was with His servant, giving him strength and wisdom, guiding him and guarding him; and, on the other, different from Eli, we hear how the young prophet let none of the Divine words fall to the ground. In those dark days of sin and shame at Shiloh, in the midst of scenes of temptation, the boy stood firm; his early life was a perpetual protest against covetousness and iniquity.
Verse 19. -
And Samuel grew. His childhood up to this time has been carefully kept before our view; now he passes from youth to manhood.
And Jehovah was with him. By special gifts, but especially by establishing his words. Spoken by Divine inspiration, they were all fulfilled. So in
Ecclesiastes 12:11 the words of the wise are compared to "nails fastened" securely, and which may therefore be depended upon. But in their case it is experience and sound judgment that makes them foresee what is likely to happen; it was a higher gift which made Samuel's words remain safe and sure, and capable of firmly holding up all enterprises that were hung upon them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
And Samuelשְׁמוּאֵ֑ל(šə·mū·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8050:Samuel -- 'name of God', a prophet of Israelgrew,וַיִּגְדַּ֖ל(way·yiḡ·dal)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1431:To grow up, become greatand the LORDוַֽיהוָה֙(Yah·weh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwasהָיָ֣ה(hā·yāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bewith him,עִמּ֔וֹ(‘im·mōw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally withand {He let} noneוְלֹֽא־(wə·lō-)Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, noofמִכָּל־(mik·kāl)Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every[Samuel's] wordsדְּבָרָ֖יו(də·ḇā·rāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causefallהִפִּ֥יל(hip·pîl)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307:To fall, lieto the ground.אָֽרְצָה׃(’ā·rə·ṣāh)Noun - feminine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 776:Earth, land
Links
1 Samuel 3:19 NIV1 Samuel 3:19 NLT1 Samuel 3:19 ESV1 Samuel 3:19 NASB1 Samuel 3:19 KJV
1 Samuel 3:19 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 3:19 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 3:19 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 3:19 French Bible1 Samuel 3:19 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 3:19 Samuel grew and Yahweh was with him (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)