Samuel was presented by his mother, Hannah, to Eli, the priest, for a lifetime of service to God. One night, God chose to speak to the boy Samuel, who had laid down in the Tabernacle. Hearing God’s voice, but thinking it was Eli calling, he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, you called me?” Eli replied, “I didn’t call you. Go back and lay down.” This happened three times. The third time Eli realized it was God calling Samuel; so he said, “If He calls you, say, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”
God told Samuel that he would punish Eli’s family: the sons for their sins and Eli for failing to correct his sons. The next morning Eli asked Samuel what God said; and he added, “Don’t hide anything!” [Reflection based on the Bible Reference - 1 Samuel 3:2-18]
