‘…Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” – 1 Samuel 3:9 (NKJV)
Samuel was confirmed as a prophet of the Lord and called by Him to prophesy. He later became an upright judge.
Before this, however, Samuel, whose parents were Elkanah and Hannah, was dedicated to a life of service to God. Hannah had prayed to God for a child, and God granted her heart’s desire. Thus, he was given back to the Lord for His service as soon as he was weaned (1st Samuel 1:23-28.
Samuel had one of the most amazing calls to God’s service. Hannah took Samuel to Shiloh, where he lived with Eli, the priest. During his childhood, the Lord called Samuel thrice in one night, but Samuel did not yet know the Lord (1st Samuel 3:7) and responded to Eli, the priest.
Eli, his mentor and priest, realised that the Lord was calling Samuel and told him how to respond (1st Samuel 3:8-9). When the Lord called again, Samuel answered, “…Speak, for your servant hears.” (1 Samuel 3:10). The Lord told Samuel that He would judge Eli’s family because of his sons’ sins and wickedness, as well as his failure as a father to restrain them; it was a shock.
Samuel was only a child when he first heard God’s calling. He was taught how to respond to God’s calling and was bold enough to deliver the bad news to his priest at such a tender age. The Scripture went on to say that all Israel knew that God was with Samuel as he grew (1st Samuel 3:19-20).
We are never too young or old to hear when the Lord speaks. We must also never be afraid to share His message, whether for celebration or warning. Eli recognised that the Lord had spoken to Samuel, and replied, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” (1 Samuel 3:18 – NKJV). Once God says it, it is settled. Learn His voice.
Read: 1 Samuel 3:19-21; 1 Samuel 4:11
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 144:9-15; Revelation 8; Revelation 9:1-12; Ezra 1; Ezra 2:1-67