1st Samuel 3:11 And the Lord said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of everyone that heareth it shall tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all things which I have spoken concerning his house: when I begin, I will also make an end.
The same problem of whether or not to indulge in favoritism, arose after God revealed to Samuel that Eli’s probation was permanently closed, without any possibility of repentance or pardon. At that time Eli was like a father to young Samuel; he was his only mentor, and being a child, he looked up to the prophet and priest as the one person with whom his life was entrusted.
Now, even though God did not command Samuel to deliver the terrible message, the fact is that Eli must have sensed that something had gone very wrong. Therefore, because of the voice Samuel had heard in his bed, it would mean that no sooner than the morning comes, he would obviously be pressed by Eli for the information given him by God. Thus, as Samuel arose from his bed that morning, he would do all he can to avoid Eli, for he would be tempted sorely, to show favoritism and thus dilute the info God gave him.
He takes out the garbage, he mows the lawn, he trims the trees, and every other outside duty that he could or couldn’t find, he did. But sooner or later Eli would confront him, and then it would be made manifest if God could trust him to deliver the goods, or whether he would allow bias and favoritism to cause him to buckle under a load of pressure, and thereby water down the truth and speak smooth words that will palliate itching ears.
1st Samuel 3:14 And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering forever. 15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.
May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!