Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
1 SAMUEL 3:9KJVWhat does 1 Samuel 3:9 mean?
1 Samuel 3:9 describes Eli instructing the young Samuel on how to respond if he hears God calling him again: Samuel is to say, “Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth.” Samuel then returns to his place to wait and listen. This verse shows Eli guiding Samuel to recognize and answer God’s voice with humility and readiness.
In this scene, Eli, the priest, realizes that it is God who has been calling Samuel during the night. Eli tells Samuel exactly what to say if the voice calls again, teaching Samuel how to respond respectfully and attentively to God. The verse highlights a moment of learning and trust between an older mentor and a young servant, setting the stage for Samuel’s first direct encounter with God.
The Hebrew behind 1 Samuel 3:9
- דַּבֵּר (dabbēr, “Speak”): This word is a request for God to communicate. Eli tells Samuel to invite God to speak, showing openness and willingness to listen.
- יְהוָה (YHWH, “LORD”): Samuel is instructed to address God by His personal name, which is a sign of reverence and recognition of God’s authority.
- עֶבֶד (ʿeved, “servant”): Samuel refers to himself as God’s servant, expressing humility and readiness to obey.
- שָׁמַע (shāmaʿ, “heareth”): This word means more than just hearing; it often carries the sense of listening with the intent to obey, not just passively receiving sound.
Why 1 Samuel 3:9 matters
- This verse clarifies that Samuel did not yet recognize God’s voice and needed guidance, showing the importance of spiritual mentorship.
- The specific words Eli gives Samuel to say emphasize humility, willingness, and a servant’s attitude in approaching God.
- 1 Samuel 3:9 sets up the pivotal moment where Samuel will receive his first message from God, marking the beginning of his prophetic calling.