1
The child Samuel ministered to Yahweh before Eli. The word of Yahweh was precious in those days; there was no frequent vision.
2
It happened at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see),
3
and the lamp of God hadn't yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down [to sleep], in the temple of Yahweh, where the ark of God was;
4
that Yahweh called Samuel; and he said, Here am I.
5
He ran to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. He said, I didn't call; lie down again. He went and lay down.
6
Yahweh called yet again, Samuel. Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. He answered, I didn't call, my son; lie down again.
7
Now Samuel didn't yet know Yahweh, neither was the word of Yahweh yet revealed to him.
8
Yahweh called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for you called me. Eli perceived that Yahweh had called the child.
9
Therefore Eli said to Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call you, that you shall say, Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10
Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel said, Speak; for your servant hears.