Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Samuel 3:1

AND the child Samuel ministred unto the LORD before Eli : and the word of the LORD was precious in those days: there was no open vision .

i. e. Under his inspection and direction, which, being so young, he needed.

To wit, the word of Prophesie, or the Revelation of Gods will to and by Prophets.

i. e. Rare or Scarce, such things being most Precious in Mens esteem, whereas common things are generally despised.

God did not impart his mind by way of Vision or Revelation openly, or to any publick Person, to whom others might resort for satisfaction, though he might or did privately reveal himself to some Pious Persons for their particular Direction. This is here premised, as a reason why Samuel understood not, when God called him once or twice.