Question 1

Who is Samuel in this passage and what is he doing?

Accepted Answer

Samuel is a young boy serving in the house of the Lord under the priest Eli. He is not a priest yet, but he helps with the work around the sanctuary. The passage says he “ministered unto the Lord,” which means he did his duties faithfully before God, even though he was still a child. At night he slept near the ark of God, ready to help if needed. God chooses this humble, serving boy as the one He will begin to speak to in a new way for Israel.

Question 2

What does it mean that the word of the Lord was rare in those days?

Accepted Answer

When it says the word of the Lord was rare, it means God was not often sending clear messages through prophets or visions at that time. Open visions were not common, so people did not often hear fresh guidance from God. This may be because of the nation’s sin and the corrupt behavior of leaders like Eli’s sons. Against this quiet background, God speaking to Samuel stands out as a new start, showing that God had not forgotten His people but was choosing a new servant.

Question 3

Why did Samuel keep going to Eli when God called him?

Accepted Answer

Samuel had never heard God speak to him personally before, so when he heard his name, he naturally thought Eli was calling. He was used to serving Eli and running to help when needed. This shows Samuel’s obedient heart. He did this three times before Eli realized the call was from God. Samuel’s mistake was not sin, but lack of experience. It reminds us that learning to recognize God’s leading often takes time and guidance from older believers.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

Samuel’s reply shows a humble and willing heart. By saying “Speak,” he is inviting God to continue His message. By calling himself “thy servant,” he accepts his place before God as one who listens and obeys. Saying he “heareth” means he is not only hearing with his ears but is ready to pay attention and respond. This short prayer is a good pattern for anyone who wants to be taught by God: a simple, honest readiness to listen and follow what God says in His word.

Question 5

Why was God judging Eli’s house in this passage?

Accepted Answer

God tells Samuel that He will judge Eli’s house because Eli’s sons made themselves vile through their sinful behavior, and Eli did not restrain them. As priests, they were supposed to honor God, but instead they treated His worship with contempt. Eli knew about their sin and spoke to them, but he did not stop them in a firm way. God had warned Eli before, and now He says the time has come to carry out judgment that will not be turned aside by sacrifice or offering.

Question 6

What does it mean that everyone’s ears will tingle at what God will do?

Accepted Answer

The phrase about ears tingling is a picture of shock and fear. It means that when people hear what God is going to do in Israel, especially to Eli’s house, they will be deeply shaken. The news will not be ordinary or easy to hear. It shows that God’s judgment on Eli’s family will be public and serious, not hidden or small. This warning reminds the whole community that God takes sin and the abuse of spiritual leadership very seriously.

Question 7

How does Eli help Samuel respond to God’s voice?

Accepted Answer

Eli at first does not realize God is calling Samuel, but after the third time, he understands what is happening. He then tells Samuel exactly what to say if the voice calls again: “Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.” Even though Eli is old and under God’s warning, he still guides the boy in how to answer God. This shows the value of older believers helping younger ones learn to listen to God and respond with respect and obedience, even when the message might be hard.

Question 8

What does this passage teach about God’s character and leadership?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God still speaks, even in times when His voice seems rare. He cares about His people and raises up new servants like Samuel. It also shows that God is patient but just. He had warned Eli before about his sons, yet they did not change, so judgment would now surely come. God holds leaders and their families to account when they dishonor Him. At the same time, He kindly teaches a young boy how to hear Him and begins using him to guide Israel.

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

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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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The LORD Calls Samuel

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