1 Samuel 3
Samuel was a boy of Israel who, when very young, was taken by his parents to Shiloh and left in the care of Eli, the Priest of God. because they loved the Lord and wanted their child to serve Him. They must have missed their little boy very much, for they did not see him often, but came each year to bring their gifts at the feast time.
We do not read what Samuel learned to do, only that he opened the doors in the mornings. And as Eli was old and growing blind, even a small boy could help by leading him about, and doing as he directed.
One night after Samuel had gone to bed, he heard his name called; he supposed Eli wanted him and ran quickly to his bed. But Eli had not called and told Samuel to lie down again.
Twice more Samuel heard his name called, and each time he went promptly to Eli. Then Eli said that it was the Lord who had called, and he told Samuel to answer, “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heath.”
So the boy went again to his bed. Soon he heard, “Samuel, Samuel.” He answered, “Speak, for thy servant heareth.”
The Lord did speak to Samuel, and told him that trouble would come to the sons of Eli, because they were doing such wicked ways. Samuel did not like to tell Eli the sad message, but when Eli asked, he told him all God had said.
We are not told how old Samuel was at this time, but perhaps about twelve years, for he is called, a child. Afterward the Lord talked more to Samuel of what he should tell the people, and Samuel “let none of His words fall to the ground” that means he listened carefully, and did as God said.
It was very many years ago that God called to Samuel. But He still knows the names of boys and girls, and we have His words in our Bibles. He calls to all by His Spirit for “whosoever will” to believe in Him. When we hear or read His words let us obey promptly as the boy Samuel.
ML 09/18/1938