The lamp of God had not yet gone out.

These words simply meant that it was still nighttime. God had directed that the lamp in the tabernacle was to be lit all night long—from evening until morning. *

So when God came and called Samuel, we know it was still nighttime because “the lamp of God had not yet gone out” (1 Samuel 3:3).

But perhaps those words spoke of more than just the literal flame that was lit each evening and extinguished the next morning. Could they have been a metaphor for a spiritual flame that God refused to let go out, in spite of just how dark it was in Israel in those days?

Consider:

• the spiritual darkness and degeneracy of Eli’s sons. (1 Sam 2:12-17, 22)
• how Eli honored his sons above the LORD. (1 Sam 2:29)
• Eli’s blindness—not just a physical blindness, but a spiritual blindness as well. (1 Sam 2:27-28)
• the statement that “word from the LORD was rare in those days.” (1 Sam 3:1)

It truly was a dark time. But in spite of the darkness, the Lamp of God had not yet gone out. God had not abandoned His people. Or His plan. He saw to it that a young, oppressed, barren woman–who loved the LORD deeply–would be praying. That in response to her prayers, He would open her womb and she would bear a son. Who would become a faithful priest. Who would do according to what was in God’s heart and soul. And lead the people back to Himself. Yes, indeed, the lamp of God had not yet gone out.

Oh, may it be so today as well! For the darkness of our time seems to be overtaking the light. Many treat the LORD and His Offering with contempt. And people honor their sons above God. But may you and I be those He raises up who are faithful to do all that is in His heart and soul. For the lamp of God has not yet gone out!

* Exodus 27:20-21; Leviticus 24:1-4