1 Samuel 3:6

KJV

And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} called {H7121} yet again {H3254}, Samuel {H8050}. And Samuel {H8050} arose {H6965} and went {H3212} to Eli {H5941}, and said {H559}, Here am I; for thou didst call {H7121} me. And he answered {H559}, I called {H7121} not, my son {H1121}; lie down {H7901} again {H7725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI called a second time, "Sh'mu'el!"Sh'mu'el got up, went to 'Eli and said, "Here I am - you called me." He answered, "I didn't call, my son; lie down again."

Berean Standard Bible

Once again the LORD called, “Samuel!” So Samuel got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” “My son, I did not call,” Eli replied. “Go back and lie down.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 3:6 continues the pivotal narrative of God's persistent and direct calling to young Samuel, who is ministering in the Tabernacle under the aged High Priest Eli. This verse vividly portrays Samuel's dutiful, yet mistaken, response as he repeatedly assumes the divine summons originates from Eli, highlighting his spiritual innocence and lack of experience in discerning the Lord's voice, while simultaneously underscoring God's unwavering determination to establish communication with His chosen prophet and prepare him for future leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the opening chapters of 1 Samuel, which detail a period of profound spiritual decline in Israel, characterized by a scarcity of prophetic revelation, as explicitly stated in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord Was Rare in Those Days"). The narrative immediately precedes the explicit divine revelation to Samuel, setting the stage for his emergence as Israel's next great prophet. The repetition of God's call (first in [1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - The Lord Calls Samuel"), then in this verse, and again in [1 Samuel 3:8](/1_samuel/3-8 "1 Samuel 3:8 - The Lord Calls a Third Time")) builds dramatic tension and emphasizes God's persistence. Samuel's repeated, mistaken response to Eli, and Eli's subsequent dawning realization in [1 Samuel 3:7-8](/1_samuel/3-7-8 "1 Samuel 3:7-8 - Eli's Growing Discernment") serve to highlight Samuel's spiritual immaturity at this point and Eli's crucial, albeit delayed, role as a mentor. This sequence establishes Samuel's readiness and obedience, foundational qualities for his future leadership.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel 3 unfold during the turbulent era of the Judges, a time marked by moral decay, political instability, and widespread spiritual apostasy, where "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Moral Decay in Israel")). The Tabernacle at Shiloh served as the central place of worship, housing the Ark of the Covenant, signifying God's tangible presence among His people. Eli, as the High Priest, held immense spiritual authority, but his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were notoriously corrupt, bringing disrepute to the priesthood and the sacrifices ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12-17 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). Samuel, dedicated to the Lord from birth as a Nazirite ([1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for Samuel")), was serving in this sacred space, likely sleeping near the Ark of the Covenant ([1 Samuel 3:3](/1_samuel/3-3 "1 Samuel 3:3 - Samuel Sleeping Near the Ark")). The nighttime setting underscores the unexpected and intimate nature of God's direct communication, breaking through the spiritual silence of the age.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Initiative and Persistence**, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to communicate His will and raise up faithful servants, even when His initial calls are misunderstood. God's repeated calling underscores His patience and determination to establish His word in a generation where it was rare ([1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord Was Rare")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Spiritual Discernment**, as Samuel, despite his dedication, initially lacks the experience to recognize God's voice, requiring the guidance of an elder. This sets the stage for his growth in spiritual maturity and the importance of learning to hear God. Thirdly, Samuel's immediate "Here am I" response, even in confusion, exemplifies **Obedience and Readiness**, a crucial characteristic for those whom God calls into service, foreshadowing his future role as a faithful prophet and judge. Finally, the narrative subtly introduces the theme of **Transition of Leadership and Prophetic Authority**, as God begins to shift His direct communication from the aging and compromised priesthood of Eli to the young, pure-hearted Samuel, signaling a new era for Israel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **called (Hebrew, _qârâʼ_):** The Hebrew verb קָרָא (_qârâʼ_) denotes a direct, audible, and intentional summoning, often implying an address by name. Its repeated use throughout 1 Samuel 3 (vv. 4, 6, 8) emphasizes that God's communication to Samuel was not a subtle impression, a dream, or an internal thought, but a distinct, identifiable voice. This highlights the personal and direct nature of God's initiation of a relationship with Samuel, breaking through the spiritual silence of the era. The repetition also underscores God's unwavering determination to get Samuel's attention.
* **yet again (Hebrew, _yâçaph_):** The Hebrew root יָסַף (_yâçaph_) means "to add or augment," and here it functions adverbially to signify a continuation or repetition of an action. The phrase "called yet again" emphasizes God's profound patience and persistence. Despite Samuel's initial misunderstanding and Eli's failure to immediately discern the divine call, God does not give up. This demonstrates God's commitment to His chosen vessel and His divine purpose, revealing a God who actively pursues communication with humanity.
* **arose (Hebrew, _qûwm_):** The verb קוּם (_qûwm_) signifies an immediate and decisive action of rising or getting up, often implying readiness for action. Samuel's swift physical response, even in the dead of night and amidst confusion, demonstrates his profound sense of duty, his readiness to serve, and his inherent obedience to authority. This immediate physical response to the perceived call, regardless of its source, reveals a foundational quality of availability essential for his future prophetic ministry. It shows a heart already inclined to serve.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD called yet again, Samuel."**: This clause emphatically highlights divine persistence and initiative. The use of "yet again" underscores God's unwavering determination and patience in the face of human misunderstanding. The direct address, "Samuel," signifies a personal, intentional, and specific call, indicating that God has chosen Samuel for a unique and significant purpose. This is not a random occurrence but a targeted divine summons.
* **"And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me."**: This part vividly portrays Samuel's dutiful obedience combined with his spiritual naivete. His immediate physical response ("arose and went to Eli") demonstrates his servant heart and readiness to respond to authority, particularly that of his mentor. However, his verbal response, "Here [am] I; for thou didst call me," clearly indicates his mistaken assumption that the voice belongs to Eli. This highlights his inexperience with direct divine communication, as he attributes the supernatural call to his human mentor, revealing his spiritual innocence.
* **"And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again."**: Eli's response further underscores Samuel's misunderstanding and Eli's own initial lack of discernment. Eli's denial is firm, and his instruction "lie down again" is paternal and practical, reflecting his role as Samuel's guardian. At this point, Eli still has not recognized the divine source of the call, indicating that even seasoned spiritual leaders can be slow to perceive God's active work, especially when it deviates from familiar patterns or comes through unexpected channels.

#### Literary Devices
The passage masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Repetition** is central, with God calling Samuel multiple times and Samuel repeatedly going to Eli. This repetition builds suspense and underscores God's unwavering persistence in the face of Samuel's misunderstanding, highlighting the divine initiative. **Dramatic Irony** is powerfully at play, as the reader is aware that it is the [LORD](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Moral Decay in Israel") calling Samuel, while Samuel himself, and initially Eli, are oblivious to the divine source. This creates anticipation and emphasizes Samuel's innocence and the rarity of direct divine communication in that era. The phrase "Here am I" functions as a form of **motif**, a recurring expression throughout scripture that signifies readiness and availability, connecting Samuel's response to other significant biblical figures. Furthermore, the scene serves as **foreshadowing**, indicating Samuel's future role as a prophet who will hear and convey God's word directly, contrasting with the current spiritual drought and the compromised state of the priesthood.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 3:6 powerfully illustrates God's active and persistent involvement in human affairs, even when His chosen instruments are initially unaware or mistaken. It reveals a God who initiates communication, patiently repeats His call, and uses human mentors to guide the spiritually inexperienced. This divine persistence underscores God's commitment to His purposes and His desire to raise up faithful leaders in times of spiritual barrenness. The passage also highlights the crucial theme of discerning God's voice, a process that often requires spiritual maturity, humility, and sometimes, the guidance of others. Samuel's readiness to respond, despite his confusion, serves as a model of availability, teaching that our willingness to be present and obedient is paramount, even when the path ahead is not entirely clear. God often calls us into service before we fully comprehend the magnitude or source of His summons, trusting that our "Here am I" will lead to greater understanding and purpose.

* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Isaiah's Response to God's Call")
* [Psalm 119:105](/psalms/119-105 "Psalm 119:105 - God's Word as a Lamp")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The narrative of Samuel's call in 1 Samuel 3:6 provides profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating their spiritual journeys. In a world saturated with voices and distractions, discerning the specific call of God can be challenging, much like Samuel mistook the divine voice for Eli's. This passage encourages us to cultivate a posture of attentive readiness, to be quick to respond with a "Here am I," even when the source or purpose of the call is not immediately clear. It reminds us that God is persistent and patient, often repeating His invitations until we are ready to truly hear. Furthermore, it highlights the invaluable role of spiritual mentors and mature believers in helping us discern God's activity in our lives. Just as Eli eventually guided Samuel, we too benefit from the wisdom and experience of those who have walked with God longer, helping us to differentiate between our own thoughts, external influences, and the authentic voice of the Holy Spirit. Our growth in spiritual discernment is a journey, not a destination, requiring humility, patience, and a consistent willingness to obey.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically discern God's voice in my life, and what steps can I take to improve my spiritual hearing?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be mistaking God's call for something else, similar to Samuel's initial confusion?**
* **Am I as readily available ("Here am I") to respond to God's call, even when I don't fully understand its implications or source?**
* **Who are the spiritual mentors in my life who can help me discern God's voice, and am I actively seeking their guidance?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Samuel recognize God's voice immediately?**

Answer: Samuel did not recognize God's voice immediately for several reasons, primarily due to his youth and lack of prior experience with direct divine communication. As [1 Samuel 3:7](/1_samuel/3-7 "1 Samuel 3:7 - Samuel Did Not Yet Know the Lord") states, "Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD been revealed to him." In that era, "the word of the LORD was rare" ([1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord Was Rare in Those Days")), meaning direct prophetic revelation was uncommon. Samuel was accustomed to Eli's voice as his primary authority figure, so his natural assumption was that Eli was calling him. This highlights his spiritual innocence and the extraordinary nature of God's direct intervention in his life, breaking through a period of spiritual silence.

**What does "called yet again" tell us about God's character?**

Answer: The phrase "called yet again" (and the subsequent third call) profoundly reveals God's persistent, patient, and determined character. It demonstrates that God is not easily deterred or frustrated by human misunderstanding or spiritual immaturity. He is committed to His purposes and to establishing a relationship with His chosen servants. This divine persistence underscores His unwavering love and His desire to communicate His will, even when it requires repeated attempts. It shows a God who actively pursues and draws individuals into His service, rather than waiting for them to perfectly discern His voice from the outset. God's call is an invitation He extends with grace and patience.

**What is the significance of Samuel being in the Tabernacle at night?**

Answer: Samuel's presence in the Tabernacle at night, sleeping near the Ark of the Covenant ([1 Samuel 3:3](/1_samuel/3-3 "1 Samuel 3:3 - Samuel Sleeping Near the Ark")), is highly significant. Firstly, it underscores his unique dedication and constant service within the sacred space, highlighting his consecrated position. Secondly, the nighttime setting emphasizes the unexpected and intimate nature of God's call, breaking through the quiet of the night when distractions are minimal. It suggests that God can speak at any time and in any place, often when least expected, and that true spiritual revelation may occur outside conventional patterns. Thirdly, his proximity to the Ark, the very symbol of God's tangible presence, reinforces that the call is indeed from the very heart of God's dwelling place, marking Samuel as a special recipient of divine revelation and a bridge between God and His people.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The repeated call to Samuel, his initial inability to discern God's voice, and Eli's eventual guidance beautifully foreshadow the ultimate Word of God and the perfect discerner of the Father's will: Jesus Christ. While Samuel struggled to recognize the voice of the [LORD](/1_samuel/3-6 "1 Samuel 3:6 - The Lord Calls Samuel Again"), Jesus perfectly embodied the "Word of God" ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Became Flesh")) and flawlessly discerned and obeyed the Father in all things ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does What the Father Does")). His entire life was a resounding "Here am I" to the Father's will, as prophesied in [Hebrews 10:7](/hebrews/10-7 "Hebrews 10:7 - Jesus' Obedience"): "Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.'" Unlike Eli's compromised sons, Jesus serves as our true and faithful High Priest ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14-16 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus Our Great High Priest")), mediating God's perfect word to us, not through a rare, audible call in the night, but through the indwelling Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "John 16:13 - The Spirit of Truth Leads to Truth")). As the Good Shepherd, Jesus declares, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me" ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")), inviting all believers into a relationship where discerning His voice is not a rare occurrence but a continual privilege, made possible by His finished work on the cross and the gift of His Spirit.

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

2 Samuel 18:22

Then said Ahimaaz the son of Zadok yet again to Joab, But howsoever, let me, I pray thee, also run after Cushi. And Joab said, Wherefore wilt thou run, my son, seeing that thou hast no tidings ready?

1 Samuel 4:16

And the man said unto Eli, I [am] he that came out of the army, and I fled to day out of the army. And he said, What is there done, my son?

Matthew 9:2

And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.

Genesis 43:29

And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother's son, and said, [Is] this your younger brother, of whom ye spake unto me? And he said, God be gracious unto thee, my son.