The Beginning:
Samuel serves at the LORD’s tabernacle under Eli’s guidance. The text notes that revelation was rare in those days, and visions were not widespread. One night, as Eli lies down and Samuel rests near the sanctuary, a voice calls Samuel by name.
The Middle:
Samuel assumes Eli is calling and runs to him, but Eli sends him back—this happens three times. Eli realizes the LORD is calling the boy and instructs him to respond, “Speak, for your servant hears.” When Samuel answers this way, the LORD reveals a message of judgment against Eli’s house because of persistent, unrestrained wrongdoing connected to Eli’s sons.
The End:
In the morning Samuel hesitates to tell Eli, but Eli insists, and Samuel reports everything. Eli accepts the word, acknowledging the LORD’s right to act as he wills. Samuel continues to grow, the LORD remains with him, and his prophetic authority becomes recognized throughout Israel.
This account highlights God’s initiative in calling and revealing his word, even when spiritual leadership is weak and revelation seems scarce. Samuel’s calling shows that God raises faithful servants to preserve and renew covenant life among his people. The message to Eli underscores God’s holiness and accountability for those who serve in sacred responsibilities, while Samuel’s growing credibility points to God’s faithfulness to establish trustworthy prophecy in Israel.
Shiloh functioned as a major Israelite worship center during this era, with the tabernacle (“temple” in the narrative’s terminology) and priestly service. Archaeological work at Shiloh has identified remains of an Iron Age settlement, supporting the picture of Shiloh as an inhabited cultic center in the period associated with early Israel.
“Speak, for your servant hears.” — 1 Samuel 3:10
Answer the questions below. When you choose an option, you will see the result and an explanation.
1. How did Samuel first respond when the voice called him by name at night?
2. What did Eli tell Samuel to say if the voice called again?