1 Samuel 3:5

KJV

And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he ran {H7323} unto Eli {H5941}, and said {H559}, Here am I {H2009}; for thou calledst {H7121} me. And he said {H559}, I called {H7121} not; lie down {H7901} again {H7725}. And he went {H3212} and lay down {H7901}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then he ran to 'Eli and said, "Here I am - you called me?" But he said, "I didn't call you; go back, and lie down." So he went and lay down.

Berean Standard Bible

He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.” So he went and lay down.

American Standard Version

And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 3:5 recounts the initial, pivotal interaction in God's call to young Samuel, where the boy, awakened by a divine voice, dutifully runs to Eli, the High Priest, believing it to be his master's summons. This scene vividly portrays Samuel's innate readiness and obedience, juxtaposed with Eli's initial unawareness of God's direct intervention, setting the stage for the unfolding of divine revelation in an era of spiritual scarcity and foreshadowing Samuel's future role as a prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the narrative of Samuel's call, which commences in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of Divine Revelation"). The preceding verses establish the spiritual climate of the time, noting that "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision," highlighting a period of infrequent divine communication. Samuel, a young boy dedicated to the Lord and serving under the aging and physically impaired High Priest Eli, is presented as a faithful, if inexperienced, servant. The narrative builds tension and emphasizes Samuel's earnestness through a repeated pattern: the Lord calls Samuel ([1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - The Lord Calls Samuel")), Samuel runs to Eli, and Eli denies calling him. Verse 5 marks the first instance of this pattern, initiating the divine pedagogy that will eventually lead Eli to discern God's hand and instruct Samuel on how to respond ([1 Samuel 3:8-9](/1_samuel/3-8 "1 Samuel 3:8-9 - Eli's Instruction to Samuel")). This repetition not only underscores Samuel's unwavering obedience but also the gradual nature of spiritual discernment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel 3 are set at the tabernacle in Shiloh, which served as the central sanctuary and worship hub for Israel before the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. This period was characterized by significant spiritual and moral decay within Israel, particularly exemplified by the egregious conduct of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who "knew not the LORD" ([1 Samuel 2:12](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")) and blatantly desecrated their priestly duties. Eli, despite his position as High Priest, had failed to effectively restrain his sons, leading to a severe divine judgment pronounced against his household ([1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27-36 "1 Samuel 2:27-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House")). In this context of spiritual darkness, a compromised priesthood, and a general lack of prophetic revelation (as noted in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of Divine Revelation")), God sovereignly chooses to bypass the corrupt established channels. Instead, He initiates direct communication with a humble and pure-hearted young boy, Samuel, signaling a profound shift in divine leadership and the re-establishment of direct prophetic communication in Israel.
* **Key Themes:** The passage powerfully illuminates several profound themes. **Obedience and Readiness** are paramount, as Samuel's immediate and unhesitating response to what he believes is Eli's call demonstrates a remarkable spirit of availability and diligence. This inherent readiness, even when misdirected, is a foundational characteristic that God seeks in those He chooses to use. Another central theme is **Divine Initiative**, emphasizing God's sovereign choice to initiate communication with Samuel, thereby circumventing the failing priestly line of Eli and his sons. This highlights God's freedom to raise up new leadership and to speak through unexpected vessels, especially when established religious structures are failing. Finally, the narrative powerfully underscores the theme of **Spiritual Discernment**. Samuel initially lacks the ability to distinguish God's voice from Eli's. This common human experience illustrates that recognizing God's voice often requires guidance, patience, and repeated encounters, particularly for those new to divine communication. Eli's eventual realization and instruction in [1 Samuel 3:8-9](/1_samuel/3-8-9 "1 Samuel 3:8-9 - Eli's Guidance to Samuel") are crucial for Samuel's spiritual growth, demonstrating the vital role of mentorship in developing spiritual understanding, akin to how Jesus' sheep are taught to [hear His voice](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Ran (Hebrew, _rûwts'_):** The verb "ran" (H7323) conveys a sense of urgency, immediacy, and eager diligence. Samuel's swift movement to Eli's side, even in the stillness of the night, underscores his profound sense of duty and readiness to serve. It is not a casual approach but a hurried dash, reflecting his youthful energy and deep respect for authority, even if his initial understanding of the caller was mistaken. This action highlights his active and responsive character.
* **Here [am] I (Hebrew, _hinnêh'_):** This is a profoundly significant Hebrew interjection (H2009), often translated as "here I am" or "behold me." It is far more than a statement of physical presence; it signifies availability, readiness, and a posture of humble submission and attentiveness. This phrase is a common biblical response to a divine or important human call, notably used by Abraham in response to God's command to sacrifice Isaac ([Genesis 22:1](/genesis/22-1 "Genesis 22:1 - Abraham's 'Hineni'")) and by Moses at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:4](/exodus/3-4 "Exodus 3:4 - Moses' 'Hineni'")). Samuel's use of _hinnêh_ here, even in his misunderstanding of the caller's identity, reveals his innate obedient and receptive character, a trait that makes him a suitable vessel for God's future revelations.
* **Calledst (Hebrew, _qârâʼ'_):** The verb "calledst" (H7121) means to call out to, address by name, or summon. Samuel's use of this word indicates his clear perception of a verbal summons. The repetition of this verb throughout the chapter (by God, by Samuel, by Eli) underscores the central theme of divine calling and human response. Samuel's immediate attribution of the call to Eli highlights his limited experience with direct divine communication and his natural assumption that any authoritative voice in the tabernacle would belong to his master.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he ran unto Eli,"**: This clause immediately follows the Lord's first call to Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - The Lord Calls Samuel"). Samuel's action is swift and unhesitating, demonstrating his diligence, respect, and the deep sense of obligation he held for Eli, his master and spiritual guardian. The act of running emphasizes his promptness and eagerness to fulfill what he perceived as a summons, even in the middle of the night.
* **"and said, Here [am] I; for thou calledst me."**: Samuel's verbal response, "Here [am] I" (Hebrew: _hinnêh_), is a classic biblical expression of availability and readiness to serve. His immediate explanation, "for thou calledst me," explicitly reveals his assumption that the voice belonged to Eli. This highlights Samuel's innocence, his lack of experience in discerning divine communication, and his natural inclination to attribute the call to the only human authority figure present.
* **"And he said, I called not; lie down again."**: Eli's response is clear and concise. He denies having called Samuel, indicating his own lack of awareness regarding the divine intervention. His instruction to "lie down again" is practical, aimed at restoring the order of the night, and implicitly dismisses Samuel's perception of having been called. Eli, at this point, does not suspect a divine origin for the voice, perhaps due to his age, failing eyesight, or the spiritual dullness of the era.
* **"And he went and lay down."**: Samuel's immediate and unquestioning obedience to Eli's instruction demonstrates his disciplined and submissive nature. Despite the unusual experience of being called in the night, he does not question Eli's denial but dutifully returns to his sleeping place. This simple act underscores his humility and trust in his mentor, setting the stage for the Lord's persistent calls and Eli's eventual discernment.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several effective literary devices to convey its profound message. **Repetition** is a key technique, as the pattern of Samuel being called, running to Eli, and Eli denying the call is repeated three times (culminating in [1 Samuel 3:8](/1_samuel/3-8 "1 Samuel 3:8 - God Calls Samuel a Third Time")). This repetition not only builds narrative suspense but also emphasizes Samuel's unwavering obedience and Eli's initial spiritual dullness, gradually revealing the divine source of the call. There is a poignant **Irony** in Samuel's earnestness to serve Eli, when in fact, he is being called by God to ultimately supersede Eli's compromised lineage and become the nation's spiritual leader. The scene also serves as powerful **Characterization**, revealing Samuel's pure-heartedness, diligence, and profound readiness to serve, contrasting sharply with the spiritual lethargy and moral decay of Eli's sons. Furthermore, the repeated calls and Samuel's eventual recognition of God's voice, guided by Eli, serve as **Foreshadowing** Samuel's future role as a prophet, a mediator of God's word to Israel, and a key figure in the momentous transition from the era of judges to the monarchy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple interaction between a boy and an old priest is pregnant with profound theological significance. It illustrates God's persistent and patient nature in calling individuals, even when they are initially unable to discern His voice. The divine initiative to speak directly to Samuel, bypassing the compromised priestly establishment, powerfully underscores God's sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to raising up faithful leadership when existing structures fail or become corrupt. Samuel's immediate "Here am I" response, though initially misdirected, reflects a heart posture of availability, humility, and obedience that God honors and ultimately uses. This account serves as a foundational narrative for understanding the process of divine calling, highlighting that God often speaks in unexpected ways and to unexpected people. It also emphasizes the crucial importance of spiritual mentorship in discerning God's will, as Eli, despite his own shortcomings, plays a vital role in guiding Samuel towards recognizing the divine voice. True spiritual authority, the passage suggests, stems from divine appointment and a responsive heart, not merely inherited position or human expectation.

* [Genesis 12:1](/genesis/12-1 "God Calls Abram")
* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah's Response to God's Call")
* [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "Jesus' Sheep Hear His Voice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Samuel's call in 1 Samuel 3:5 offers profound and enduring insights for contemporary believers. It challenges us to cultivate a spirit of readiness and availability, echoing Samuel's immediate "Here am I," even when the source or nature of a prompting is not immediately clear. Our willingness to respond to perceived calls, whether from God, a spiritual mentor, or a pressing need in our community, is a crucial step in our spiritual journey. The passage also highlights the indispensable importance of spiritual discernment and the role of wise counsel. Just as Eli, despite his own spiritual dullness, ultimately helped Samuel recognize God's voice, we too should humbly seek guidance from mature believers when we feel a spiritual prompting or are unsure of God's direction. God's patience and persistence in calling Samuel multiple times remind us that He is not easily deterred by our initial lack of understanding or our spiritual immaturity. Developing the ability to hear and respond to God's voice is a lifelong process that requires attentiveness, humility, and a deep commitment to obedience, nurtured by both personal receptivity and the wisdom gleaned from spiritual community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you cultivating a "Here am I" attitude of readiness and availability to God, even when the call is unclear?**
* **Can you recall a time when you mistook God's voice or a divine prompting for something else? How did you eventually discern the truth, and what did you learn from that experience?**
* **Who are the "Eli figures" in your life—spiritual mentors or wise counselors—who can help you discern God's voice and direction? How actively are you seeking their guidance?**
* **What does Samuel's persistence in responding, even when confused, teach us about our own journey of hearing God and the importance of not giving up on seeking His voice?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samuel keep running to Eli if Eli wasn't calling him?**

Answer: Samuel was very young, likely around 12 years old, and had been serving Eli in the tabernacle since he was weaned ([1 Samuel 1:24-28](/1_samuel/1-24-28 "1 Samuel 1:24-28 - Samuel Dedicated to the Lord")). He had no prior experience with direct divine revelation. His natural and logical assumption was that any voice calling him in the night must be Eli's, as Eli was the only other person present with authority over him. His repeated actions demonstrate his profound obedience, diligence, and deep respect for his master, even in his innocent misunderstanding of the true caller, who was the Lord Himself ([1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - The Lord Calls Samuel")).

**What does this passage teach us about discerning God's voice today?**

Answer: This passage offers several crucial lessons for discerning God's voice. First, it shows that God is persistent and patient; He may call multiple times if we don't recognize Him initially ([1 Samuel 3:6](/1_samuel/3-6 "1 Samuel 3:6 - Second Call to Samuel"), [1 Samuel 3:8](/1_samuel/3-8 "1 Samuel 3:8 - Third Call to Samuel")). Second, it highlights the importance of spiritual maturity and mentorship. Samuel needed Eli's guidance to understand that it was the Lord speaking, even though Eli himself was spiritually dull. We often need the wisdom and experience of others, particularly mature believers, to help us interpret spiritual promptings and confirm divine direction. Third, it emphasizes the need for a receptive and obedient heart, like Samuel's "Here am I" attitude, which prepares us to hear and respond when God speaks. Finally, it reminds us that God's voice may come in unexpected ways or at unexpected times, challenging our preconceived notions of how He communicates.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Samuel's call, particularly his immediate and obedient "Here am I" response, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Samuel, as a prophet, priest, and judge, served as a crucial mediator between God and Israel, delivering God's word and guiding the nation. Yet, Samuel was an imperfect servant, a shadow pointing to the perfect Servant to come. Jesus, the true and greater Samuel, embodies the perfect "Here am I" to the Father's will. From His incarnation, where He declared, "Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God" ([Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Christ's Obedience")), to His unwavering commitment to the Father's mission, Jesus perfectly fulfilled every divine call. Unlike Samuel, who initially mistook God's voice, Jesus perfectly discerned and obeyed the Father's voice, declaring, "I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things" ([John 8:28](/john/8-28 "John 8:28 - Jesus Does the Father's Will")). He is the ultimate Prophet, who not only delivers God's word but is the very Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). His life was a continuous act of perfect obedience, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross, where He perfectly accomplished the will of God for the salvation of humanity ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Thus, Samuel's diligent but initially confused obedience points forward to Christ's flawless and complete submission to the divine call, establishing Him as the perfect example for all who seek to hear and obey God's voice and inviting us into His perfect obedience.

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.