“Then Eli called Samuel, and said, Samuel, my son. And he answered, Here am I.”
This verse is part of the story of Samuel, a significant figure in the Old Testament who played a crucial role in Israel’s history as a prophet, priest, and judge. At this point in the narrative, Samuel was a young boy serving in the tabernacle under the guidance of Eli, the high priest.
Eli’s Call:The verse begins with Eli, the high priest, calling out to Samuel by name, “Samuel, my son.” This indicates a personal relationship between Eli and Samuel, as well as Eli’s affectionate concern for him. Eli had become like a father figure to Samuel, overseeing his upbringing and spiritual training.
Samuel’s Response:In response to Eli’s call, Samuel promptly replies, “Here am I.” This phrase reflects Samuel’s willingness and readiness to serve and obey. It shows his humility and submission to his mentor, Eli, and ultimately to God.
Significance of Samuel’s Availability:Samuel’s immediate response, “Here am I,” demonstrates his obedience and sensitivity to God’s voice. In the preceding verses (1 Samuel 3:1-15), we learn that Samuel, while sleeping, heard the Lord calling him by name. Initially, Samuel mistakenly thought it was Eli calling, but after Eli realized it was the Lord’s voice, he instructed Samuel to respond by saying, “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth” (1 Samuel 3:9, KJV). Samuel’s availability to hear and respond to God’s call played a vital role in his journey as a prophet and God’s chosen instrument.
Lessons and Applications:The verse offers several valuable lessons and applications for believers today:
- Attentiveness to God’s Voice: Like Samuel, we must cultivate an attentive heart to hear God’s voice. This requires spending time in prayer, studying the Scriptures, and seeking God’s presence in our lives. It also involves being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
- Willingness to Obey: Samuel’s response of “Here am I” reflects a heart of obedience and surrender to God’s will. We, too, should have a similar attitude, being ready and willing to obey God’s instructions and guidance in our lives.
- Submission to Spiritual Authority: Samuel’s respectful response to Eli reveals the importance of honoring and submitting to godly authority in our lives. Whether it be parents, mentors, pastors, or spiritual leaders, we can learn from Samuel’s example of humble submission and respect.
- Serving God: Samuel’s availability and response to Eli’s call allowed him to serve the Lord faithfully. As believers, we are called to serve God wholeheartedly, using our gifts, talents, and resources for His glory and the advancement of His kingdom.
By studying 1 Samuel 3:16, we can gain insights into the story of Samuel and draw lessons that are relevant to our own spiritual journey. May we strive to cultivate an attentive heart, demonstrate obedience, submit to godly authority, and serve God with a willing and available spirit, just as Samuel did.
