1 Samuel 3:4

KJV

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here [am] I.

KJV (with Strong's)

That the LORD {H3068} called {H7121} Samuel {H8050}: and he answered {H559}, Here am I.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI called, "Sh'mu'el!" and he answered, "Here I am."

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD called to Samuel, and he answered, “Here I am.”

American Standard Version

that Jehovah called Samuel: and he said, Here am I.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Samuel 3:4 marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history, depicting the initial, direct, and audible divine summons to the young Samuel. This encounter, occurring within the sacred space of the tabernacle at Shiloh, signifies the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry and God's re-engagement with His people through a new, faithful voice, setting the stage for a dramatic shift from the era of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within a narrative that highlights a period of profound spiritual decline in Israel. Chapters 1 and 2 introduce Hannah's miraculous conception of Samuel and her subsequent dedication of him to the LORD's service at Shiloh under the aging High Priest Eli. Critically, these chapters also expose the egregious corruption and moral depravity of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who desecrate the sacrificial system and commit immorality at the very entrance of the tabernacle. The narrative explicitly states that "the word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread" [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of God's Word"). Thus, God's direct call to Samuel in verse 4 stands in stark contrast to the spiritual barrenness and the failing priestly lineage, signaling a divine initiative to raise up a new, righteous leader who would restore proper worship and governance.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel 3 unfold during the turbulent era of the Judges, a time characterized by spiritual apostasy, moral decay, and political instability, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - A Time of Anarchy"). Shiloh was the central place of worship, housing the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, making it the spiritual heart of Israel. However, the spiritual leadership under Eli and his sons had become compromised, reflecting the broader societal decline. In this context, a direct, personal call from God was an extraordinary event, especially to a young, non-priestly figure like Samuel. It underscored God's sovereign ability to bypass established, but unfaithful, institutions and individuals to achieve His purposes, demonstrating His commitment to His covenant people even amidst their unfaithfulness.
* **Key Themes:** The calling of Samuel encapsulates several foundational themes. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Initiative**; it is "the LORD" who calls, not Samuel who seeks. This highlights God's sovereignty and His active intervention in human history to accomplish His will, often through unexpected means and individuals, as seen in His choice of [David over Saul](/1_samuel/16-7 "1 Samuel 16:7 - God Looks at the Heart"). Secondly, Samuel's immediate and simple response, "Here am I," embodies the theme of **Obedience and Availability**. Despite his youth and initial lack of recognition of God's voice, his posture is one of readiness and willingness to serve, a model for all who are called by God. This theme resonates with the importance of a receptive heart, as emphasized in [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Beginning of Knowledge"). Thirdly, the event signals a **Renewal of Prophetic Revelation**. In a time when God's word was rare, His direct communication with Samuel marks the beginning of a new era of prophecy, establishing Samuel as a crucial mediator between God and Israel, much like [Moses before him](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - God Promises a Prophet Like Moses").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called (Hebrew, _qara'_):** This verb signifies more than a simple utterance; it implies a summons, an invitation, or an appointment to a specific task or relationship. In biblical usage, when God "calls," it is an act of divine initiative that sets apart an individual for a particular purpose, endowing them with authority and responsibility. It suggests an intentional, purposeful address, demanding a response.
* **Here am I (Hebrew, _hineni'_):** This is a profound and significant Hebrew idiom. It is not merely an acknowledgment of physical presence ("I am here") but rather an expression of readiness, attentiveness, and availability to serve or obey. It conveys a posture of humble submission and willingness to engage fully with whatever the caller requires. It implies a "present and accounted for" attitude, signaling a heart prepared to receive instruction and act upon it.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That the LORD called Samuel":** This clause establishes the divine origin and initiative of the encounter. It is God, the sovereign LORD (Yahweh), who takes the first step, actively reaching out to Samuel. This emphasizes that Samuel's future ministry is not self-appointed but divinely ordained. The act of "calling" here is an authoritative summons, setting Samuel apart for a unique role in God's redemptive plan.
* **"and he answered, Here [am] I":** This second clause highlights Samuel's immediate and unreserved response. Despite not yet fully understanding the source of the voice, his reply of "Here am I" (_hineni_) demonstrates a remarkable posture of attentiveness, availability, and willingness to obey. This readiness to respond is a crucial characteristic of those whom God chooses to use, signifying a heart open to divine instruction and prepared for service.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of 1 Samuel 3:4 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Irony** is prominent, as God bypasses the established, but corrupt, priestly line of Eli and his sons to call a young, inexperienced boy, highlighting divine judgment on unfaithfulness and God's freedom to work through unexpected vessels. There is also strong **Contrast** between the spiritual darkness and scarcity of divine revelation described in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of God's Word") and the direct, audible voice of God breaking through to Samuel. This moment serves as powerful **Foreshadowing**, signaling the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry, his future role as a judge, and his pivotal involvement in the establishment of the monarchy, including the anointing of both Saul and David. The simplicity of Samuel's response, "Here am I," also functions as a **Motif** for biblical figures who are ready to respond to God's call, linking Samuel to other faithful servants like Abraham and Moses.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The calling of Samuel underscores the profound truth of God's sovereign initiative in choosing and equipping His servants. God does not wait for perfect conditions or perfectly prepared individuals; rather, He calls whom He wills, often in unexpected circumstances, to accomplish His purposes. Samuel's immediate and unreserved response, "Here am I," becomes a timeless model for believers, emphasizing the importance of availability, attentiveness, and a willing heart when God speaks. This divine-human encounter highlights the personal nature of God's communication and His desire to establish a relationship with those He calls into service. It also serves as a reminder that God's voice can break through even in times of spiritual dormancy and moral decay, ushering in new seasons of revelation and leadership.

* [Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - God Tests Abraham")
* [Exodus 3:4](/exodus/3-4 "Exodus 3:4 - God Calls Moses from the Bush")
* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah's Commission")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The divine call to Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:4 resonates deeply with believers today, inviting us to consider our own posture before God. While God may not often speak in an audible voice as He did to Samuel, He continues to call individuals into various forms of service, whether through the clear directives of His written Word, the promptings of the Holy Spirit, the needs of the community, or the unique gifts and passions He has placed within us. The challenge for us is to cultivate a heart that is not only listening but also ready to respond with the same immediate and unreserved "Here am I." This requires a life of spiritual attentiveness, marked by prayer, diligent study of Scripture, and a willingness to step out in faith even when the path is unclear or we feel inadequate. God often uses the seemingly small acts of faithfulness and availability to prepare us for greater responsibilities, just as Samuel's faithful service in the tabernacle prepared him for his prophetic destiny. Our availability to God is not about our perceived capabilities, but about our willingness to be used by Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be "calling" you today, and how are you cultivating an attentive heart to hear His voice?**
* **What does "Here am I" practically look like in your daily life and commitments?**
* **Are there areas in your life where you are hesitant or unwilling to say "Here am I" to God's call? What might be holding you back?**
* **How does Samuel's youth and inexperience encourage you regarding God's ability to use anyone who is available?**

### FAQ
**Why did God call Samuel and not Eli or his sons?**

Answer: God called Samuel because Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, had become corrupt and unfaithful in their priestly duties. Eli, though initially faithful, failed to restrain his sons' wickedness, who "despised the offering of the LORD" [1 Samuel 2:17](/1_samuel/2-17 "1 Samuel 2:17 - The Sin of Eli's Sons") and committed immorality. This spiritual decay led to a scarcity of divine revelation, as noted in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of God's Word"). God, in His sovereignty, chose to bypass this unfaithful lineage and raise up a new, pure voice in Samuel, demonstrating His commitment to righteous leadership and His willingness to work through unexpected vessels to fulfill His purposes.

**How does God "call" people today, since we don't typically hear an audible voice?**

Answer: While audible calls are rare, God continues to call individuals into His service in various ways. Primarily, God speaks through His inspired Word, the Bible, which is "living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword" [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "Hebrews 4:12 - The Power of God's Word"). He also guides through the indwelling Holy Spirit, who convicts, prompts, and empowers believers. Furthermore, God's call can be discerned through the counsel of wise believers, the alignment of personal gifts and passions with needs in the world, and through circumstances that open doors for service. The key is to cultivate a receptive heart through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a willingness to obey what God reveals, much like Samuel's posture of "Here am I."

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The calling of Samuel in 1 Samuel 3:4, though a pivotal moment in Old Testament history, ultimately points forward to the supreme call and perfect obedience of Jesus Christ. Samuel was called to be a prophet, judge, and king-maker, mediating God's word to Israel and preparing the way for the monarchy. Yet, Jesus is the ultimate Prophet, the one to whom all prophets pointed, who perfectly reveals the Father's will and speaks the very words of God [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God"). Unlike Samuel, who initially did not know the voice of the LORD, Jesus lived in perfect communion with the Father, always hearing and always obeying, declaring, "I always do what pleases him" [John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus' Obedience to the Father"). His entire life was a resounding "Here am I" to the Father's will, culminating in His ultimate act of obedience on the cross, where He offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience"). Through Christ, believers are not only called to hear God's voice but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to respond with a resounding "Here am I," participating in His ongoing mission to reconcile the world to God [2 Corinthians 5:18-20](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18-20 - The Ministry of Reconciliation").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].

Isaiah 6:8

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here [am] I; send me.

1 Corinthians 12:6

And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.

1 Corinthians 12:11

But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.

Exodus 3:4

And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here [am] I.

Psalms 99:6

¶ Moses and Aaron among his priests, and Samuel among them that call upon his name; they called upon the LORD, and he answered them.

1 Corinthians 12:28

And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.