In those days the word of the LORD was rare

1 Samuel 3:1-19 plays a central role in the early part of the book of 1 Samuel.  David Dorsey maps the book out as follows:


a  introduction: Samuel's birth and lifelong dedication to Yahweh (1:1-2:11)
               b  Eli's wicked sons show contempt for Yahweh at the tabernacle (2:12-26)
                             c  prophecy that Eli's sons will be killed on one day (2:27-3:1a)
                                           d  TURNING POINT: Samuel's call (3:1b-4:1a)
                             c'  prophecy about Eli's sons comes true: their deaths (4:1b-22)
               b'  travels of the ark; Philistines show respect for Yahweh's ark (5:1-7:1)
a'  conclusion: Samuel's victory and lifelong rule over Israel (7:2-17)


The passage begins with a general comment on God's word.  "In those days the word of the LORD was rare; there were not many visions." (3:1)


Then, in the subsequent passage, young Samuel repeatedly hears the LORD calling to him.  The fact that Samuel confuses the voice calling him for the priest Eli seems to underscore that the LORD has spoken to Samuel four different times in one night.  He keeps calling.


The passage's central role in the first seven chapters shows that power is being taken away from Eli and his wicked sons and given to Samuel.  The cause of this has been Eli's disregard for God's word.  But Eli knows God has spoken to Samuel, and his disregard turns to intense concern for what God has said: "What was it he said to you?"  Eli asked.  "Do not hide it from me.  May God deal with you, be it ever so severely, if you hide from me anything he told you." (3:17)


The passage ends with a note about Samuel's words: "The LORD was with Samuel as he grew up, and he let none of Samuel's words fall to the ground."  For a passage so focused on the dignity and gravity of God's words, it is fitting that the one he favors, Samuel, would have his words blessed as well.