1 samuel 3:9 - Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 3:9

What does "1 samuel 3:9" mean?


This verse is a pivotal moment in the story of Samuel's calling. Let's break it down:

"Therefore Eli said to Samuel, 'Go, lie down.'": Eli, the elderly priest who is mentoring Samuel, recognizes that the boy is being called by God. He's advising Samuel on what to do in response to the calling.

"It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, 'Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.'": This is the crucial instruction. Eli is teaching Samuel how to respond to God's voice.
"Speak, Yahweh": This phrase acknowledges that the voice is coming from God (Yahweh is the Hebrew name for God).
"for your servant hears": This is a humble declaration of Samuel's willingness to listen and obey God's commands. It shows a receptive and obedient attitude.

"So Samuel went and lay down in his place.": Samuel obeys Eli's instruction. This is important because it shows Samuel's trust in Eli's wisdom and his willingness to follow guidance. He's also putting himself in a position to be receptive to God's calling.

In essence, the verse signifies:

Discernment: Eli, though his own family is flawed, is able to recognize God's call on Samuel's life. He is a mentor providing guidance.
Instruction: Eli is teaching Samuel how to communicate with God – how to listen and respond with humility and obedience.
Obedience: Samuel's immediate obedience is a key element of the story, emphasizing his receptivity to God's will.
Humility and Receptivity: Samuel's taught response, "Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears," encapsulates the perfect attitude for someone being called by God: humility, a willingness to listen, and a commitment to obey.
Transition: This verse marks a significant turning point. Samuel is moving from being a helper in the temple to a prophet of God.

This verse sets the stage for Samuel's direct communication with God and his future role as a key figure in Israelite history. It emphasizes the importance of being open to God's voice, listening with humility, and being ready to obey.

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