Question 1

Who is Samuel in this passage and how old is he likely to be?

Accepted Answer

In this passage Samuel is a young boy serving in the house of the LORD under the priest Eli. He helps with basic tasks around the tabernacle, such as opening the doors in the morning and assisting Eli, whose eyesight is failing. From the way he is called a child and yet trusted with service, many understand him to be around early youth, not a toddler but not yet grown. The story shows how God can call and use someone who is still very young and learning, as Samuel listens and grows into a prophet.

Question 2

What does it mean that the word of the LORD was precious and there was no open vision?

Accepted Answer

When the passage says the word of the LORD was precious, it means God’s messages were rare. There were not many clear revelations or known prophets in that time. “No open vision” points to a lack of public, recognized prophetic guidance for the people. This fits the wider picture of spiritual decline, with Eli’s sons living in open sin. Into that quiet, where God seems silent, the call of Samuel stands out. God begins to speak again through a faithful servant he has chosen and prepared.

Question 3

Why did Samuel at first think Eli was calling him instead of God?

Accepted Answer

Samuel had grown up around the tabernacle and around Eli, but the passage says he did not yet know the LORD in the sense of recognizing God’s voice through direct revelation. So when he hears his name called in the night, the most natural thought is that the old priest needs him. This happens three times before Eli realizes what is going on and teaches Samuel how to respond. It shows Samuel’s innocence, his readiness to serve Eli, and that learning to recognize God’s voice can be a gradual process.

Question 4

What is the meaning of Samuel’s words, “Speak, for thy servant heareth”?

Accepted Answer

When Samuel says, “Speak, for thy servant heareth,” he is taking the posture Eli taught him: humble, ready, and willing to obey. He is not arguing, bargaining, or demanding details. He simply offers himself as a listener and servant. These words give a pattern for how to come to God’s word, whether in Scripture or in prayerful meditation: with a heart that is quiet, teachable, and ready to do what God says. In the story, this response prepares Samuel to receive a very serious message about judgment.

Question 5

Why did God judge Eli’s house and say their sin would not be purged by sacrifice?

Accepted Answer

God tells Samuel that he will judge Eli’s house forever because Eli’s sons made themselves vile and Eli did not restrain them. They sinned in their priestly role and treated holy things with contempt. Eli knew about this but did not act firmly enough to stop them. God had already warned Eli before, and now says the guilt of his family will not be wiped away by offerings. This shows how serious sin is, especially in spiritual leaders, and that repeated, unrepentant disobedience brings sure judgment when God’s patience is refused.

Question 6

Why was Samuel afraid to tell Eli the vision, and how did he respond?

Accepted Answer

Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision because the message was about severe judgment on Eli’s own family. It is hard for a young boy to bring such painful news to the man who has raised and trained him. He lay until morning and went about his normal task of opening the doors, holding the word quietly in his heart. When Eli pressed him and even called down harm if he hid anything, Samuel told him everything and held nothing back. This shows both Samuel’s honesty and the weight that comes with speaking God’s truth.

Question 7

What does Eli’s response, “It is the LORD: let him do what seemeth him good,” show about him?

Accepted Answer

Eli’s reply shows a kind of humble submission, even though the message is hard. He does not argue with God, blame Samuel, or deny what he hears. He recognizes that the word really is from the LORD and that God has the right to act as he sees fit. While Eli had failed to restrain his sons, at this point he bows to God’s decision. His words remind us that accepting God’s judgment, even when it exposes our own failures, is part of true reverence for him.

Question 8

How does God establish Samuel as a prophet by the end of this passage?

Accepted Answer

By the end of the passage, several things show that Samuel is now established as a prophet. God comes and stands near, calling Samuel by name and giving him a message. Samuel faithfully repeats that message, even though it is hard. Then the narrative says the LORD was with Samuel and did not let any of his words fall to the ground, meaning what Samuel spoke from God came true. All Israel, from Dan in the north to Beer-sheba in the south, comes to recognize that Samuel is indeed a prophet of the LORD.

Question 9

What does this passage teach about listening for God’s voice today?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God speaks when and how he chooses, and that a right response begins with a willing heart. Samuel did not make God speak; he simply served faithfully where he was and then listened when called. For believers today, we do not expect the same kind of audible call, but we are to treat God’s word with the same readiness: “Speak, for your servant hears.” That means giving time and attention to Scripture, being open to correction, and being ready to obey, even when what God says is uncomfortable.

1 Samuel 3:1

And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

The LORD Calls Samuel

Samuel Shares the Vision

The LORD Calls Samuel

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1 Samuel 3:1

And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.

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