The book of 1 Samuel 3 in the Bible is a significant chapter that details the calling of Samuel by God.

Summary

• Verses 1-3: These verses set the scene in the temple where Eli, the high priest, and Samuel, a young boy serving under him, are sleeping. It mentions that messages from the Lord were rare at that time.
• Verses 4-9: Samuel hears his name being called while he is lying down. Thinking it is Eli calling him, he goes to Eli three times. Each time, Eli tells Samuel he did not call and sends him back to bed. By the third time, Eli realizes that the Lord is calling Samuel and instructs him to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening,” if he hears the voice again.
• Verses 10-14: When Samuel hears his name called again, he responds as Eli instructed. God then reveals to Samuel a message of judgment against Eli’s household, due to Eli’s sons’ wickedness and Eli’s failure to restrain them.
• Verses 15-18: Samuel is afraid to tell Eli the vision, but Eli insists. When Samuel tells him everything, Eli acknowledges the Lord’s will, saying, “He is the Lord; let him do what is good in his eyes.”
• Verses 19-21: The chapter concludes with Samuel growing and the Lord being with him, ensuring that all of Samuel’s prophecies came true. It ends by noting that all Israel recognized Samuel as a prophet of the Lord, and God continued to reveal himself to Samuel at Shiloh.

Life Applications

1. Listening for God’s Call: Like Samuel, we should be attentive and open to hearing God’s call, understanding that sometimes it may come in quiet, unexpected ways.
2. Guidance from Others: Eli’s role in helping Samuel recognize and respond to God’s call illustrates the importance of mentorship and guidance from more experienced individuals in spiritual and life matters.
3. Obedience to God: Samuel’s willingness to deliver a difficult message to Eli shows the importance of obedience to God, even when it might lead to uncomfortable situations.
4. Acceptance of God’s Will: Eli’s response to the prophecy about his family highlights the acceptance of God’s will, regardless of how difficult it may be to hear.
5. The Importance of Faithfulness: The narrative underscores the consequences of unfaithfulness (as seen in Eli’s sons) and the rewards of faithfulness (as seen in Samuel’s life and his growing role as a prophet).

This chapter teaches about the importance of listening and responding to God’s call, the value of guidance from those more experienced, the necessity of obedience and faithfulness, and the acceptance of God’s will, all of which are applicable in various aspects of life today.