Definition: And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 3:15. It’s a really important and slightly dramatic verse that speaks about Samuel's reaction to an unsettling experience. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Eli is the Priest: In ancient Israel, priests were responsible for offering sacrifices to God. Eli was a priest who was experiencing something strange – he was seeing visions of God. Samuel Sees Eli: Samuel, the leader of the Israelites, saw Eli (the priest) having a vision. This vision showed Eli things that seemed frightening and confusing. What’s Happening in the Verse? “And Samuel lay until the morning…” – This means Samuel was still there, waiting for the vision to end. He was focused on it and didn't want to move or be disturbed. “…and opened the doors of the house of the LORD.” - This is a key part. "The house of the Lord" refers to God’s dwelling place – a special room where he lived in intimacy with humanity. Samuel was opening the doors of this room. “And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.” – This is the most important part. Samuel was incredibly worried about what Eli saw. He was afraid that Eli would be frightened and might do something wrong, possibly even disobey God’s commands. What does it mean? This verse shows a few things: Samuel’s Responsibility: Samuel was tasked with protecting Eli and guiding him. He wasn't just passively watching; he was actively intervening to ensure Eli didn't make a mistake. Trusting God: It highlights Samuel's deep trust in God’s guidance and protection, even when things are frightening or confusing. Importance of Guidance: The verse emphasizes that God needs someone to guide others, especially those who might be vulnerable or confused. In short, it’s a story about Samuel’s responsibility to protect a priest who was experiencing something difficult and urging him to listen to God's instructions. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or theme (like the importance of guidance)?