Chapter 3: Samuel Listens to God
Based on 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Scripture Background

There were fifteen judges named in the Bible. The judges were the leaders of God's people before they had kings. They were filled with God's spirit. Samuel was one of the judges of Israel.

Samuel's mother was Hannah. She prayed to God for a child. God answered Hannah's prayer. When Samuel was little, his mother brought him to the shrine at Shiloh. The priest, Eli, taught Samuel as he grew up. In this story, Samuel hears the voice of God calling him. The name Samuel means "one who hears God."


One night Samuel was getting ready for bed. He heard a voice calling him. He thought it was Eli. So Samuel called to Eli, "Here I am." Eli called back, "I did not call you. Go back to sleep. Two more times Samuel heard someone call his name. Each time he ran to Eli, saying, "Here I am."

Eli now knew it was God calling Samuel. So Eli said to Samuel, "the Lord is calling you. If the Lord calls you again, listen to him." Samuel went back to sleep. Again God called out, "Samuel, Samuel!" Samuel answered, "Speak, Lord, I am listening."

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"Speak, Lord, I am listening."
Based on 1 Samuel 3:10


Look for More in the Bible

Read about a time when Mary listened to the angel.
Luke 1:26-38