1 Samuel 3:16 Study Bible: Then Eli called Samuel, and said, "Samuel, my son." He said, "Here I am."

◄ 1 Samuel 3:16 ►

but Eli called to him and said, "Samuel, my son." "Here I am," answered Samuel.

But Eli called him
The phrase begins with "But," indicating a continuation or contrast from the previous events. Eli, the high priest, represents the old order of Israel's leadership. His calling of Samuel signifies a pivotal moment where God’s message is about to be revealed through a new, young prophet. The Hebrew root for "called" is קָרָא (qara), which means to call out or summon. This calling is not just a physical act but a spiritual one, as Eli is unknowingly facilitating God's plan. Historically, Eli's role as a priest and judge in Israel places him in a position of authority, yet his spiritual insight is dimming, as seen in his inability to initially recognize God's voice calling Samuel.

and said, 'Samuel, my son.'
Eli's address to Samuel as "my son" reflects a relationship of mentorship and affection. The Hebrew word for "son" is בֵּן (ben), which can denote a literal son or a term of endearment and mentorship. This phrase highlights the personal and intimate nature of their relationship. Eli's use of "my son" underscores the trust and responsibility he places on Samuel, despite his own sons' failures. In the broader scriptural context, this relationship foreshadows the transition of spiritual leadership from Eli's lineage to Samuel, who will become a pivotal prophet in Israel's history.

Samuel answered, 'Here I am.'
Samuel's response, "Here I am," is a declaration of readiness and willingness to serve. The Hebrew phrase is הִנֵּנִי (hineni), often used in the Bible to express a servant's readiness to obey God's call, as seen in the responses of Abraham and Moses. This phrase signifies Samuel's openness and availability to God's will, contrasting with Eli's sons, who were corrupt and disobedient. Samuel's readiness marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry, setting the stage for his role as a faithful servant and leader in Israel. This moment is inspirational, as it reminds believers of the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's call in their own lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eli
The high priest of Israel at the time, who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh. He was responsible for mentoring Samuel in his service to the Lord.

2. Samuel
A young boy dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah. He was serving under Eli and would later become a significant prophet and judge in Israel.

3. Shiloh
The religious center of Israel during this period, where the tabernacle was located. It was here that Samuel was serving and where God called him.

4. The Call of Samuel
This event marks the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry. God called Samuel audibly, and this was a pivotal moment in Israel's history.

5. The Role of Prophets
Samuel's calling signifies the importance of prophets in guiding and leading Israel according to God's will.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Mentorship
Eli's role in Samuel's life underscores the value of spiritual mentorship. We should seek and provide guidance in our faith communities.

Listening for God's Voice
Samuel's experience teaches us to be attentive and responsive to God's call in our lives. We should cultivate a heart that is open to hearing from God.

Obedience and Availability
Samuel's response, "Here I am," reflects a posture of obedience and readiness. We should strive to be available for God's purposes.

God's Sovereignty in Calling
God chooses whom He wills for His purposes, often in unexpected ways. We should trust in His sovereign plan for our lives.

The Role of Prophets and Leaders
Samuel's calling highlights the importance of godly leadership. We should pray for and support those whom God has placed in leadership roles.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Eli's mentorship of Samuel inform our understanding of the importance of spiritual guidance in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we cultivate a heart that is attentive to God's voice, similar to Samuel's response?

3. How does the theme of obedience and availability in Samuel's response challenge us in our daily walk with God?

4. What can we learn from the way God called Samuel about His sovereignty and the unexpected ways He may work in our lives?

5. How can we support and pray for the leaders and prophets in our communities, drawing from the example of Samuel's role in Israel?

Connections to Other Scriptures

1 Samuel 3:1-15
Provides context for Samuel's call, highlighting the rarity of prophetic visions at the time and the significance of God speaking to Samuel.

Exodus 3:4
Similar to Samuel's response, Moses also answered God with "Here I am" when called from the burning bush, indicating readiness and obedience.

Isaiah 6:8
Isaiah's response to God's call, "Here am I. Send me!" parallels Samuel's willingness to serve and listen to God's voice.

Acts 9:10
Ananias responds to God's call with "Here I am, Lord," showing a consistent biblical theme of readiness to serve.

Sermons

Samuel's Call to the Prophetic Office	B. Dale	1 Samuel 3:1-18
The Old Priest and the Child Prophet	D. Fraser	1 Samuel 3:1-18
Causes of Eli's Overthrow	J. Parker, D. D.	1 Samuel 3:11-16
The Causes of Eli's Overthrow	J. Parker, D. D.	1 Samuel 3:11-16

People

Dan, Eli, Samuel

Places

Beersheba, Dan, Shiloh

Topics

Answering, Calleth, Eli, Samuel

Dictionary of Bible Themes

1 Samuel 3:16

5781 affection

1 Samuel 3:1-21

5658 boys

1 Samuel 3:11-18

5686 fathers, examples

Library

Divine Calls.
"And the Lord came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel; Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth."--1 Samuel iii. 10. In the narrative of which these words form part, we have a remarkable instance of a Divine call, and the manner in which it is our duty to meet it. Samuel was from a child brought to the house of the Lord; and in due time he was called to a sacred office, and made a prophet. He was called, and he forthwith answered the call. God said, "Samuel, …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

A Private Enquiry
"What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee?"--1 Samuel 3:17. THE Lord would not speak directly to Eli, although he was the High Priest. In ordinary circumstances it would have been so; but Eli had grieved the Lord, and thus had lost his honorable standing. God had not cast him off; but he viewed him with such displeasure that he would only speak to him through another person: even as great kings, if they are offended with their courtiers, send them messages by other hands. The Lord sent, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

What the Truth Saith Inwardly Without Noise of Words
Speak Lord, for thy servant heareth.(1) I am Thy servant; O give me understanding that I may know Thy testimonies. Incline my heart unto the words of Thy mouth.(2) Let thy speech distil as the dew. The children of Israel spake in old time to Moses, Speak thou unto us and we will hear, but let not the Lord speak unto us lest we die.(3) Not thus, O Lord, not thus do I pray, but rather with Samuel the prophet, I beseech Thee humbly and earnestly, Speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth. Let not Moses …
Thomas A Kempis—Imitation of Christ

Samuel, the Little Server
It was some years after Ruth's son had been born in Bethlehem that another mother was made glad by the precious gift of a little son. This mother's name was Hannah, and her baby was a special joy to her because she had so longed to have a son and had prayed so earnestly to God for this great gift. There was no doubt about the baby's name. He was called "Samuel," which means "God has heard." [Illustration: "Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth." 1 Sam. iii. 10.] For had not God listened …
Amy Steedman—The Babe in the Bulrushes

By Collating Similar Passages with 1 Sam. ...
By collating similar passages with 1 Sam. iii. 25, St. Ambrose shows that the meaning is not that no one shall intercede, but that the intercessor must be worthy as were Moses and Jeremiah, at whose prayers we read that God spared Israel. 40. But you say, It is written: "If a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him?" [2968] First of all, as I already said before, I might allow you to make that objection if you refused penance to those only who denied the faith. But what difficulty does …
St. Ambrose—Works and Letters of St. Ambrose

Letter Xlvi (Circa A. D. 1125) to Guigues, the Prior, and to the Other Monks of the Grand Chartreuse
To Guigues, the Prior, And to the Other Monks of the Grand Chartreuse He discourses much and piously of the law of true and sincere charity, of its signs, its degrees, its effects, and of its perfection which is reserved for Heaven (Patria). Brother Bernard, of Clairvaux, wishes health eternal to the most reverend among fathers, and to the dearest among friends, Guigues, Prior of the Grande Chartreuse, and to the holy Monks who are with him. 1. I have received the letter of your Holiness as joyfully …
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Being Made Archbishop of Armagh, He Suffers Many Troubles. Peace Being Made, from Being Archbishop of Armagh He Becomes Bishop of Down.
[Sidenote: 1129] 19. (12). Meanwhile[365] it happened that Archbishop Cellach[366] fell sick: he it was who ordained Malachy deacon, presbyter and bishop: and knowing that he was dying he made a sort of testament[367] to the effect that Malachy ought to succeed him,[368] because none seemed worthier to be bishop of the first see. This he gave in charge to those who were present, this he commanded to the absent, this to the two kings of Munster[369] and to the magnates of the land he specially enjoined …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Faithlessness and Defeat
'And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out against the Philistines to battle, and pitched beside Eben-ezer: and the Philistines pitched in Aphek. 2. And the Philistines put themselves in array against Israel: and when they joined battle, Israel was smitten before the Philistines: and they slew of the army in the field about four thousand men. 3. And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us today before the Philistines? …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christian Meekness
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth Matthew 5:5 We are now got to the third step leading in the way to blessedness, Christian meekness. Blessed are the meek'. See how the Spirit of God adorns the hidden man of the heart, with multiplicity of graces! The workmanship of the Holy Ghost is not only curious, but various. It makes the heart meek, pure, peaceable etc. The graces therefore are compared to needlework, which is different and various in its flowers and colours (Psalm 45:14). …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Our Attitude Toward his Sovereignty
"Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in Thy sight" (Matt. 11:26). In the present chapter we shall consider, somewhat briefly, the practical application to ourselves of the great truth which we have pondered in its various ramifications in earlier pages. In chapter twelve we shall deal more in detail with the value of this doctrine but here we would confine ourselves to a definition of what ought to be our attitude toward the Sovereignty of God. Every truth that is revealed to us in God's Word …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
OR, THE EXCELLENCY OF A BROKEN HEART: SHOWING THE NATURE, SIGNS, AND PROPER EFFECTS OF A CONTRITE SPIRIT. BEING THE LAST WORKS OF THAT EMINENT PREACHER AND FAITHFUL MINISTER OF JESUS CHRIST, MR. JOHN BUNYAN, OF BEDFORD. WITH A PREFACE PREFIXED THEREUNTO BY AN EMINENT MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL IN LONDON. London: Sold by George Larkin, at the Two Swans without Bishopgates, 1692. ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The very excellent preface to this treatise, written by George Cokayn, will inform the reader of …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Effectual Calling
'Them he also called.' Rom 8:80. Q-xxxi: WHAT IS EFFECTUAL CALLING? A: It is a gracious work of the Spirit, whereby he causes us to embrace Christ freely, as he is offered to us in the gospel. In this verse is the golden chain of salvation, made up of four links, of which one is vocation. Them he also called.' Calling is nova creatio, a new creation,' the first resurrection. There is a two-fold call: (1.) An outward call: (2.) An inward call. (1.) An outward call, which is God's offer of grace to …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Thoughts Upon Self-Denyal.
THE most glorious Sight questionless that was ever to be seen upon the face of the Earth, was to see the Son of God here, to see the supreme Being and Governour of the World here; to see the Creator of all things conversing here with his own Creatures; to see God himself with the nature, and in the shape of Man; walking about upon the surface of the Earth, and discoursing with silly Mortals here; and that with so much Majesty and Humility mixed together, that every expression might seem a demonstration …
William Beveridge—Private Thoughts Upon a Christian Life

Exposition of Chap. Iii. (ii. 28-32. )
Ver. 1. "And it shall come to pass, afterwards, I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy; your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions." The communication of the Spirit of God was the constant prerogative of the Covenant-people. Indeed, the very idea of such a people necessarily requires it. For the Spirit of God is the only inward bond betwixt Him and that which is created; a Covenant-people, therefore, without such an inward …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Christian's Book
Scripture references 2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21; John 5:39; Romans 15:4; 2 Samuel 23:2; Luke 1:70; 24:32,45; John 2:22; 10:35; 19:36; Acts 1:16; Romans 1:1,2; 1 Corinthians 15:3,4; James 2:8. WHAT IS THE BIBLE? What is the Bible? How shall we regard it? Where shall we place it? These and many questions like them at once come to the front when we begin to discuss the Bible as a book. It is only possible in this brief study, of a great subject, to indicate the line of some of the answers. …
Henry T. Sell—Studies in the Life of the Christian

The Roman Pilgrimage: the Miracles which were Wrought in It.
[Sidenote: 1139] 33. (20). It seemed to him, however, that one could not go on doing these things with sufficient security without the authority of the Apostolic See; and for that reason he determined to set out for Rome, and most of all because the metropolitan see still lacked, and from the beginning had lacked, the use of the pall, which is the fullness of honour.[507] And it seemed good in his eyes[508] that the church for which he had laboured so much[509] should acquire, by his zeal and labour, …
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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