Wisdom for Samuel

In the book of 1 Samuel, we read that Hannah asked the Lord for a child and was rewarded. She vowed to consecrate Samuel to the Lord’s service, and brought him to the temple when he was weaned. Many of us know with the story—but have we found the hidden treasures buried within its familiarity?

The Scriptures report:

“And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men” (1
Samuel 2:26).

What comes to mind when you read this verse? Perhaps you’ll recall verses describing Jesus, who grew in “wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.” Do you see the similarity?

Yet there’s also an interesting disparity between the two descriptions. The Scripture does not report that Samuel grew in wisdom. Why?

The next chapter tells of Samuel’s encounter with the Lord. Sure that Eli is calling him, Samuel rises, only to go back to bed and hear the voice again. But we’re informed of something very important during this narrative:

“Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him” (1 Samuel 3:7).

Samuel was serving in the temple, and yet, it appears that he did not yet know the revealed Lord in a personal way. Maybe that’s why Samuel lacked wisdom; for

“For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding . . .” (Proverbs 2:6).

It appears that when God called Samuel’s name in the night hours, He revealed Himself and His Word. We are told that after this time,

“. . . Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground” (1
Samuel 3:19).

Let’s be sure that we’re walking with the Lord today, so that we might receive His wisdom!