Samuel Hears the Voice of God (1 Samuel 3)
Just as God spoke directly to young Samuel, Jesus welcomes children into a close relationship with Him. When we trust in Jesus as our Savior, we can hear and respond to God’s voice at any age, just like Samuel did.
This story clearly demonstrates that God communicates with people. While the way He spoke to Samuel might seem unique, the underlying principle is that God desires to have a relationship with us and will find ways to make His will known. This can be through the Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer, wise counsel, and even unexpected circumstances.
Bible Story Summary (1 Samuel 3)
Long, long ago, in the land of Israel, there was a special place called the tabernacle (later it would be a temple). This was like a church where people went to worship God. In the tabernacle lived an old priest named Eli. Eli had two sons, but they were not good men and didn’t honor God.
Also living in the tabernacle was a young boy named Samuel. His mother, Hannah, had prayed very hard for a child, and God blessed her with Samuel. When Samuel was still little, Hannah brought him to Eli so he could serve God in the tabernacle. Samuel helped Eli with different tasks and learned about serving the Lord.
One night, after everyone had gone to sleep, including the old priest Eli who was very tired and whose eyesight was not good, young Samuel was also sleeping in his own place in the tabernacle.
Suddenly, Samuel heard a voice calling his name.
“Samuel!”
Samuel woke up quickly. He thought it was Eli calling him. So, Samuel ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.”
But Eli said, “I did not call you. Go back and lie down.”
So, Samuel went back and lay down.
Then, Samuel heard the voice again.
“Samuel!”
Again, Samuel got up and went to Eli. “Here I am. You called me.”
But Eli said again, “My son, I did not call you. Go back and lie down.”
This happened a third time! Samuel heard the voice:
“Samuel!”
And for the third time, Samuel ran to Eli and said, “Here I am. You called me.”
This time, Eli realized that it wasn’t him calling Samuel. He understood that it must be the Lord speaking to the young boy.
So, Eli said to Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you again, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.‘”
Samuel went back to his place and lay down.
Then, the Lord came and stood there, calling as before:
“Samuel! Samuel!”
This time, Samuel answered just as Eli had told him: “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.”
And the Lord spoke to Samuel. He told Samuel some things that were going to happen to Eli and his family because Eli had not stopped his wicked sons. It was a serious message.
Samuel stayed lying down until morning. He was a little afraid to tell Eli what God had said. But Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.”
Samuel answered, “Here I am.”
Then Eli asked, “What is the message that the Lord spoke to you? Do not hide it from me. May God punish you severely if you hide anything from me that he told you.”
So, Samuel told Eli everything God had said. He didn’t hide anything.
And Eli said, “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.”
(What We Learn From This Story)
- God Speaks: Even today, God speaks to people in different ways. Sometimes it might not be a voice we hear with our ears, but a feeling in our heart, a thought that comes to us, or through reading the Bible.
- We Need to Listen: Just like Samuel had to learn to recognize God’s voice, we need to learn to listen for God. This means being quiet, praying, and reading God’s Word.
- Obedience is Important: Samuel obeyed Eli and then obeyed God by speaking when God called. We should also try to obey those God has put in charge of us (like our parents and teachers) and always obey God.
- God Uses Ordinary People: God chose a young boy, Samuel, to deliver an important message. God can use anyone, no matter how young or old, to do His work.
- It’s Important to Tell the Truth: Even though the message was difficult, Samuel told Eli everything God had said. God wants us to be truthful in all things.
(Questions for Discussion)
- Have you ever felt like God was speaking to you in some way?
- What are some ways we can learn to listen to God?
- Why was it important for Samuel to obey Eli? Why was it important for him to obey God?
- How can God use kids today to do His work?
- Why was it important for Samuel to tell Eli the truth, even though it was a bad message?
(Activity Idea)
- “Listening Ears” Craft: Have the children make big paper ears and decorate them. Talk about how we need to use our “spiritual ears” to listen to God.
- Role-Playing: Act out the story of Samuel hearing God’s voice. Have different children take on the roles of Samuel, Eli, and God’s voice.
This story reminds us that God is always speaking, and it’s important for us to learn to listen and obey His voice. Just like Samuel, we can all be used by God in amazing ways!
Coloring Page Samuel Sleeping
