Scripture Daily

Context No. 3443 of 4322 · 1 Samuel

Context · Reflection

1 Samuel 3:6-10: in context

6The LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He answered, “I didn’t call, my son. Lie down again.” 7Now Samuel didn’t yet know the LORD, neither was the LORD’s word yet revealed to him. 8The LORD called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. 9Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10The LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”

Young Samuel keeps hearing his name called in the night and runs to Eli, not yet knowing the LORD or recognizing his voice. It is a tender detail the text points out: Samuel does not yet know God personally, though he serves in the temple. Hearing God's voice and knowing him are learned, not automatic.

Wise old Eli, dim as his own household had grown, still discerns that it is the LORD calling the boy, and teaches him how to respond: if he calls you again, say, Speak, LORD, for your servant hears. And Samuel does. There is a beautiful posture of faith in those words. He does not say, speak, Lord, and I will consider it, but your servant hears, ready to listen and to obey. To hear God rightly is to come with a listening, willing heart. And sometimes, like Samuel, we need someone wiser to help us recognize God's voice and teach us how to answer when he calls.

When God calls, do I answer with Samuel's readiness, "Speak, LORD, for your servant hears," coming with a heart ready to listen and obey?

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