Called by Name: The Voice of God (1 Samuel 3:1-21)
Have you ever wondered if God still speaks to people? In 1 Samuel 3, we read the powerful story of how God called a young boy named Samuel—by name—and how that moment changed everything. It’s a story about listening, trusting, and being open to what God wants to say.
A Time of Silence
The story begins during a time when people rarely heard from God. The Bible says, “The word of the Lord was rare in those days” (1 Samuel 3:1). It was a spiritually quiet time. Samuel was just a boy, living and serving in the temple under a priest named Eli.
Eli was getting old, and his eyesight was fading. Things weren’t going well in Israel, especially with Eli’s family, who had disrespected God. But God was about to break the silence.
A Voice in the Night
One night, as Samuel was lying down, he heard someone call his name: “Samuel!” He got up and ran to Eli, thinking Eli had called him. But Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.”
This happened again. And again. Three times Samuel heard the voice, and three times he ran to Eli.
Samuel didn’t realize it was God speaking to him. The Bible says, “Samuel did not yet know the Lord” (1 Samuel 3:7). That means he had never heard God’s voice before.
A Mentor’s Guidance
Finally, Eli realized what was happening. He understood that God was calling Samuel. So he gave him this advice: “If He calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”
This moment is so important. Eli, despite his past mistakes, still helped Samuel connect with God. It reminds us that even imperfect people can guide others toward God.
A Difficult Message
The next time God called, Samuel responded: “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” God gave Samuel a serious message—a warning of judgment against Eli’s family because of their sins. That must have been hard for a child to hear!
Samuel was afraid to tell Eli, but Eli encouraged him to speak the truth. Samuel shared everything, and Eli humbly accepted it, saying, “He is the Lord; let Him do what is good in His eyes.”
Growing in God’s Favor
After that, Samuel began to grow, not just in age but in wisdom and faith. The Bible says God was with him, and everything Samuel said proved to be true. People all across Israel began to trust him as a prophet—a messenger of God.
And the best part? God kept speaking to Samuel. This once-quiet time became the beginning of something new. God’s voice was heard again in Israel.
What Can We Learn?
There’s a lot we can take from this story:
- God still speaks. Even when things feel silent, God is not far away.
- Anyone can hear God—young or old. Samuel was just a boy, but he had an open heart.
- Listening is important. Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, I’m listening.” That’s a prayer we can all say.
- Mentors matter. Eli helped Samuel recognize God’s voice. We need people who point us to God.
- Obedience isn’t always easy. But like Samuel, we can speak truth with courage and kindness.
Final Thoughts
Maybe you’re in a season where God feels quiet. Or maybe you’re not sure how to hear His voice. This story reminds us that God is still calling—often in gentle, quiet ways. He knows your name, just like He knew Samuel’s.
So today, take a moment to pause and pray, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
You never know what He might say.
1 Samuel 3:1-21 (WEB)
3:1 The child Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. The LORD’s word was rare in those days. There were not many visions, then. 2 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 God’s lamp hadn’t yet gone out, and Samuel had laid down in the LORD’s temple where God’s ark was, 4 The LORD called Samuel. He said, “Here I am.”5 He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am; for you called me.”He said, “I didn’t call. Lie down again.”He went and lay down. 6 The 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.” 7 Now Samuel didn’t yet know the LORD, neither was the LORD’s word yet revealed to him. 8 The 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. 9 Therefore 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. 10 The LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”11 The LORD said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel at which both the ears of everyone who hears it will tingle. 12 In that day I will perform against Eli all that I have spoken concerning his house, from the beginning even to the end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves, and he didn’t restrain them. 14 Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be removed with sacrifice or offering forever.”15 Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the LORD’s house. Samuel was afraid to show Eli the vision. 16 Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son!”He said, “Here I am.”17 He said, “What is the thing that he has spoken to you? Please don’t hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that he spoke to you.”18 Samuel told him every bit, and hid nothing from him.He said, “It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him.”19 Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 All Israel from Dan even to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the LORD. 21 The LORD appeared again in Shiloh; for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the LORD’s word.