they thought that He was speaking of

1Sam3:1 sets the context for the calling of Samuel by stating that "word from the LORD was rare in those days, visions were infrequent." Curious statement, this. First, it implies that there was a time prior to this when visions and the voice of God speaking to people was common. During those times, did people not still wonder at the awesomeness of being contacted by the Almighty? Or did they walk around taking it for granted. Were there people in a room and one of them would talk and then Did you say something to me? Sorry, no, I was talking to God. You know how that is. Of course. This morning He told me to smite Isaiah.

Secondly, the statement implies that the Lord goes through phases where His direct presence on earth is more necessary than at others. What would qualify as an era where He spoke to lots of people? What would qualify as a decade when He would go silent? What would bring back an age of frequent visions?

Lastly, I think many assume there are no more prophets, that the last prophets had spoken when Messiah finally arrived. But perhaps our definition of prophet need be analyzed. Perhaps prophet doesn't necessarily refer to those with actual prophecies to speak, but rather to all who hear the direct voice of God or are given visions. In which case, even now prophets walk among us. If so, what is He trying to tell us?