1 Samuel 3:9

Arabic SAB (الكتاب الشريف)

فَقَالَ عَالِي لِصَمُويِلَ: ”اِذْهَبْ وَنَمْ، وَإِذَا نَادَاكَ تَقُولُ: ’تَكَلَّمْ يَا رَبُّ لِأَنَّ عَبْدَكَ سَامِعٌ.‘“ فَذَهَبَ صَمُويِلُ إِلَى مَكَانِهِ وَنَامَ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Eli, an older priest, tells Samuel, a young boy, to go to bed. He instructs Samuel that if he hears a voice calling him, he should respond by saying, 'Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening.' Samuel follows Eli's advice and lies down to sleep. The key message is about obeying and listening to God's voice.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing with your toys when your mom calls you for dinner. Eli is like your mom, telling Samuel, who is like you, to listen carefully if someone calls him. If God calls, Samuel should say, 'I'm ready to listen, God!' This teaches us to listen when God speaks to us.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of 1 Samuel, written by unknown authors in the 7th or 6th century BCE. The audience was the Israelites, and the cultural setting was one where young prophets like Samuel were trained by older priests like Eli to hear and respond to God's voice.

Living It Out Today

A modern scenario could be a student who hears their teacher calling them to the front of the class. Just as Samuel listens to Eli's advice, we can listen to mentors and be ready to respond to any opportunities to learn from them.

Topics

• obedience
• prophets
• listening
• calling
• training
• spiritual guidance

Related Verses

• Exodus 3:1-4
• Deuteronomy 18:15-18
• 1 Kings 19:9-12
• Acts 9:1-6
• Revelation 1:10-12

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Eli tell Samuel to lie down?

Eli wanted Samuel to rest and be prepared to hear God's voice clearly. He knew that Samuel might be tired and needed to be ready for the divine encounter.

What does it mean when Samuel says, 'Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth'?

Samuel is showing respect and obedience to God. He is saying he is ready to listen and obey whatever God has to say.

How does this verse relate to modern-day Christians?

Modern Christians can learn from Samuel's example to be ready to listen and obey God's voice in their daily lives, just as Samuel was prepared to hear from God.

What can we learn from Eli's role in Samuel's life?

Eli shows the importance of spiritual guidance and mentoring. He helps Samuel understand how to respond to God's call, which is valuable for anyone in a mentoring or teaching role.