Samuel's Call
1 The boy Samuel served the Lord in Eli's presence. In those days the word of the Lord was rare and prophetic visions were not widespread.
2
One day Eli, whose eyesight was failing, was lying in his room.
3
Before the lamp of God had gone out, Samuel was lying down in the tabernacle of the Lord where the ark of God was located.
4
Then the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, "Here I am."
5
He ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." "I didn't call," Eli replied. "Go and lie down." So he went and lay down.
6
Once again the Lord called, "Samuel!" Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, "Here I am; you called me." "I didn't call, my son," he replied. "Go and lie down."
7
Now Samuel had not yet experienced the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.
8
Once again, for the third time, the Lord called Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli understood that the Lord was calling the boy.
9
He told Samuel, "Go and lie down. If He calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening.' " So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10
The Lord came, stood there, and called as before, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel responded, "Speak, for Your servant is listening."