1 Samuel 3:9

"Go and lie down," he said to Samuel, "and if He calls you, say, 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.'" So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Study Bible

So Eli told Samuel
Eli, the high priest, plays a crucial role as a mentor to young Samuel. The Hebrew root for "told" (אָמַר, 'amar) implies a directive or command, indicating Eli's authority and responsibility in guiding Samuel. Historically, Eli's guidance reflects the importance of spiritual mentorship in Israelite culture, where elders impart wisdom to the younger generation.

Go and lie down
This phrase suggests a return to a state of rest and readiness. The Hebrew word for "lie down" (שָׁכַב, shakab) often implies a position of receptivity and humility. In the context of the tabernacle, it signifies Samuel's readiness to receive divine communication, highlighting the importance of being spiritually prepared to hear God's voice.

and if He calls you
The conditional "if" introduces the possibility of divine interaction. The Hebrew root for "calls" (קָרָא, qara) is often used in the context of God summoning individuals for a specific purpose. This reflects the biblical theme of God's initiative in reaching out to humanity, emphasizing His sovereignty and the personal nature of His call.

say, ‘Speak, LORD
The instruction to say "Speak, LORD" underscores the act of inviting God to communicate. The Hebrew word for "speak" (דָּבַר, dabar) conveys the power and authority of God's word. By addressing God as "LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh), Samuel acknowledges His covenantal relationship with Israel, recognizing His supreme authority and faithfulness.

for Your servant is listening
This phrase reflects a posture of humility and attentiveness. The Hebrew word for "servant" (עֶבֶד, ebed) denotes one who is devoted and obedient, highlighting Samuel's willingness to serve God. "Listening" (שָׁמַע, shama) implies not just hearing, but understanding and obeying. This readiness to listen and respond is a model of faithful discipleship, emphasizing the importance of being attentive to God's voice in our lives.

So Samuel went and lay down in his place
Samuel's obedience to Eli's instruction is immediate and complete. The repetition of "lay down" reinforces his readiness to receive God's message. "In his place" suggests a return to his designated position, symbolizing the importance of being where God has placed us to fulfill His purposes. This act of obedience and readiness is a testament to Samuel's growing faith and trust in God's plan for his life.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Eli
The high priest of Israel at the time, who served as a mentor to the young Samuel. Eli's guidance to Samuel in this passage is crucial for Samuel's first encounter with God's voice.

2. Samuel
A young boy serving in the temple under Eli. Samuel is chosen by God to be a prophet, and this passage marks the beginning of his prophetic ministry.

3. The LORD
The God of Israel, who calls out to Samuel. This event signifies God's direct communication and calling of Samuel to be His prophet.

4. The Temple
The place where Samuel was serving and where he heard God's call. It represents a place of worship and divine encounter.

5. The Call
The event of God calling Samuel, which is a pivotal moment in Samuel's life and in the history of Israel, as it marks the transition of leadership from Eli to Samuel.

Teaching Points

Listening to God
Just as Samuel was instructed to listen, we must cultivate a posture of attentiveness to God's voice in our lives. This involves quieting our hearts and being open to His guidance.

Mentorship and Guidance
Eli's role in guiding Samuel highlights the importance of spiritual mentorship. We should seek and provide godly counsel within our communities.

Responding to God's Call
Samuel's response, "Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening," is a model for our own response to God's call. We should be ready and willing to serve when God speaks to us.

The Importance of Obedience
Samuel's obedience to Eli's instruction and ultimately to God's call is a reminder of the blessings that come from following God's direction.

Recognizing God's Voice
Like Samuel, we may not always recognize God's voice at first. It is important to discern and confirm God's voice through prayer, scripture, and wise counsel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How can we cultivate a heart that is attentive and ready to listen to God's voice in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we seek out or become a spiritual mentor like Eli in our faith communities?

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

4. How can we discern God's voice amidst the many distractions and voices in our world today?

5. What steps can we take to ensure that our response to God's call is one of obedience and readiness, similar to Samuel's?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3
The calling of Moses at the burning bush parallels Samuel's calling, as both involve God directly speaking to His chosen servant.

Isaiah 6
Isaiah's vision and response to God's call ("Here am I, send me") echo Samuel's readiness to listen and serve.

Acts 9
The conversion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus is another example of a divine calling that leads to a significant change in leadership and direction.