Samuel’s Calling

Overview

• Testament: Old
• Book: 1 Samuel
• Chapters: 1 Samuel 3
• Summary: The LORD calls the boy Samuel at night and entrusts him with a word of judgment against Eli’s house.

Details

While serving before the LORD at Shiloh, Samuel hears his name called and mistakes the voice for Eli. Eli eventually realizes the LORD is speaking and instructs Samuel to answer. Samuel receives a hard first message, but from that point Israel recognizes him as a true prophet.

Key People Involved

• Samuel - Called as prophet
• Eli - Helps Samuel understand the call

Key Places

• Shiloh - Setting of the call

Important Verses

“Speak; for thy servant heareth.” - 1 Samuel 3:10

Cross-References

• Related events: Hannah’s Prayer, Corruption of Eli’s Sons
• Related books: 1 Samuel

Notes

Samuel’s call is both tender and severe. God raises a new prophetic voice while announcing the collapse of a corrupt priestly house.