1 Samuel 3:4

Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, "Here I am."

Study Bible

Then the LORD
The phrase "Then the LORD" signifies a divine intervention and a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. This moment marks a significant transition in Israel's history, as God is about to establish Samuel as a prophet. Historically, this period was marked by a scarcity of prophetic visions, making this divine call even more profound.

called
The Hebrew word for "called" is "qara," which means to call out, proclaim, or summon. This is not a casual call but a purposeful and authoritative summons from God. In the context of ancient Israel, a divine call often signified a commissioning for a specific task or role. Samuel's call is reminiscent of other biblical figures like Moses and Isaiah, who were also called by God for significant purposes.

to Samuel
Samuel, whose name means "heard of God" or "asked of God," is a young boy serving in the temple under Eli's mentorship. His name itself is prophetic, as he becomes a pivotal figure in Israel's history, bridging the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy. Samuel's life is a testament to God's faithfulness in answering the prayers of his mother, Hannah, and His plans for Israel.

and he answered
The response "and he answered" indicates Samuel's readiness and attentiveness. The Hebrew word "anah" implies a response or reply, often with a sense of obedience or submission. Samuel's immediate response reflects his willingness to serve and his openness to divine communication, setting an example of how believers should respond to God's call.

Here I am
This phrase, "Here I am," is translated from the Hebrew "hineni," a term expressing availability and readiness. It is a declaration of presence and willingness to listen and obey. This response is echoed by other biblical figures like Abraham and Isaiah, who also responded to God's call with "Here I am," signifying their readiness to fulfill God's will. Samuel's response highlights the importance of being attentive and responsive to God's voice in our lives.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Samuel
A young boy serving in the temple under the priest Eli. Samuel is dedicated to God by his mother, Hannah, and is being raised in the house of the LORD at Shiloh.

2. The LORD
The God of Israel, who initiates communication with Samuel, marking the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry.

3. Eli
The high priest of Israel at the time, under whose guidance Samuel is serving. Eli plays a crucial role in helping Samuel recognize the voice of God.

4. Shiloh
The religious center of Israel during this period, where the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant are located. It is here that Samuel receives his calling.

5. The Calling Event
This is a pivotal moment where God directly calls Samuel, signifying a transition in leadership and the beginning of Samuel's role as a prophet.

Teaching Points

God's Initiative in Calling
God takes the first step in calling individuals for His purposes. We must be attentive and open to His voice in our lives.

Recognizing God's Voice
Like Samuel, we may need guidance to discern God's voice. Spiritual mentors and scripture can help us recognize when God is speaking to us.

Readiness to Serve
Samuel's response, "Here I am," reflects a heart ready to serve. We should cultivate a willingness to respond to God's call with obedience and faith.

The Role of Mentorship
Eli's role in helping Samuel understand God's call underscores the importance of spiritual mentorship in our faith journey.

God's Call at Any Age
Samuel was a young boy when God called him, reminding us that God can use anyone, regardless of age, for His purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we cultivate a heart that is ready to respond to God's call like Samuel did?

2. In what ways can we discern God's voice in our lives today, and who might serve as a spiritual mentor for us?

3. Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you to a specific task or purpose. How did you respond, and what was the outcome?

4. How does the account of Samuel's calling encourage us to be open to God's plans, even when they are unexpected?

5. What other biblical figures responded to God's call with "Here I am," and what can we learn from their accounts about obedience and faith?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22
The phrase "Here I am" echoes Abraham's response to God, indicating readiness and obedience.

Exodus 3
Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where he also responds with "Here I am," showing a pattern of God calling individuals for His purposes.

Isaiah 6
Isaiah's vision and calling, where he responds, "Here am I. Send me!" This highlights the theme of divine calling and human response.

Acts 9
Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus, where God calls him to a new mission, illustrating the transformative power of God's call.