Samuel Answers the Call

1 Samuel 3:1-21

The Big Idea

Samuel listened carefully and responded quickly. We can learn to be attentive, obedient, and ready to serve while seeking wise help to understand God’s word.

The Bible Story

Samuel Hears God’s Call

In 1 Samuel 3:1-5, Samuel served the LORD under Eli. Messages from the LORD were rare, and Samuel was lying down in the LORD’s temple near the ark of God while Eli rested in his place. The LORD called, “Samuel!” Samuel answered, “Here I am,” and ran to Eli, thinking Eli had called him. Samuel respectfully told Eli that he was there. Eli said he had not called Samuel and told him to lie down again. This passage begins a larger account in which Samuel learns to recognize the LORD’s call. The story presents Samuel as attentive, ready to respond, and willing to help. It also carefully distinguishes the LORD, who called Samuel, from Eli, whom Samuel mistakenly believed had called him.

Themes

Faithful service God’s word being revealed Listening for and responding to God’s call Samuel’s recognition as a prophet

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

Samuel quickly and attentively goes to Eli after hearing his name, believing Eli called him. Eli responds that he did not call and sends Samuel back to lie down.

Talk together

Talk about it

How did Samuel respond when he heard his name?
Who helped Samuel understand what was happening?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page to introduce Samuel’s call gently in family worship, Sunday school, church classrooms, or homeschool lessons. Invite children to notice the difference between what Samuel thought and what was true. Keep the quiet setting calm, and emphasize attentive service rather than fear. Read 1 Samuel 3:4-5 with the page, then continue with the surrounding passage if desired.

Source note

From this passage

1 Samuel 3:4-5 · God Calls Samuel

Samuel quickly and attentively goes to Eli after hearing his name, believing Eli called him. Eli responds that he did not call and sends Samuel back to lie down.