1 Samuel 3:8

KJV

And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} called {H7121} Samuel {H8050} again {H3254} the third time {H7992}. And he arose {H6965} and went {H3212} to Eli {H5941}, and said {H559}, Here am I; for thou didst call {H7121} me. And Eli {H5941} perceived {H995} that the LORD {H3068} had called {H7121} the child {H5288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI called, "Sh'mu'el!" again, a third time. He got up, went to 'Eli and said, "Here I am - you called me." At last 'Eli realized it was ADONAI calling the child.

Berean Standard Bible

Once again, for the third time, the LORD called to Samuel. He got up, went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you have called me.” Then Eli realized that it was the LORD who was calling the boy.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And Eli perceived that Jehovah had called the child.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 3:8 narrates the pivotal third instance of the LORD's direct call to young Samuel, a moment that marks a significant turning point in Israel's spiritual history. Despite the divine summons, Samuel, in his spiritual innocence and inexperience, repeatedly mistakes God's voice for that of his elderly mentor, Eli. This persistent repetition of the call is crucial, as it finally enables the aging High Priest Eli to discern the true, divine origin of the calls, thereby setting the stage for Samuel's prophetic commissioning and ushering in a new era of direct divine communication and leadership in Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the opening chapters of 1 Samuel, which meticulously chronicle the miraculous birth and dedication of Samuel, the severe corruption of Eli's priestly sons, and the pervasive spiritual decline throughout Israel. Chapter 3 specifically focuses on the dramatic account of Samuel's call. The preceding verses ([1 Samuel 3:1-7](/1_samuel/3-1-7 "1 Samuel 3:1-7 - Samuel's First Encounters with God's Call")) establish the profound rarity of divine revelation during this era and detail the first two instances of the LORD calling Samuel, each met with Samuel's naive and dutiful response to Eli. Verse 8, therefore, serves as the narrative climax of this repeated interaction, directly preceding Eli's crucial instruction to Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:9](/1_samuel/3-9 "1 Samuel 3:9 - Eli Instructs Samuel") and the subsequent profound and weighty revelation from God concerning the judgment upon Eli's house in [1 Samuel 3:11-14](/1_samuel/3-11-14 "1 Samuel 3:11-14 - God's Judgment on Eli's House"). The narrative structure masterfully emphasizes God's unwavering persistence and Samuel's gradual, yet profound, awakening to the divine voice.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel 3 unfold during a period of profound spiritual and moral decay in Israel, a direct consequence of the tumultuous era of the Judges. As [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of God's Word") starkly notes, "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision," indicating a severe scarcity of direct divine communication. This scarcity was a poignant sign of God's displeasure with the nation's spiritual state. The priesthood, which was divinely ordained to be the primary conduit of God's revelation and the center of Israelite worship, had become severely compromised by the wickedness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who "did not know the LORD" and contemptuously despised the offerings (as detailed in [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12-17 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). Samuel, however, had been dedicated to the LORD from his birth (as recounted in [1 Samuel 1:28](/1_samuel/1-28 "1 Samuel 1:28 - Hannah Dedicates Samuel")) and was serving faithfully in the tabernacle under Eli, representing a nascent glimmer of hope amidst the pervasive spiritual darkness. God's sovereign decision to call a young boy directly, bypassing the corrupt and failing priestly establishment, powerfully signals a divine intervention designed to raise up a new, righteous prophetic voice for the nation.

* **Key Themes:** Several profound and enduring themes emerge vividly from this verse and its immediate narrative context. Firstly, **Divine Persistence and Patience** is powerfully illustrated by the LORD's repeated calling of Samuel. God does not abandon His purpose after Samuel's initial misunderstanding but patiently calls him three distinct times, demonstrating His unwavering desire to communicate and establish a deep relationship, even with those who are initially unaware of His presence or unfamiliar with His voice. Secondly, **Spiritual Discernment and Mentorship** is profoundly highlighted through Eli's crucial role. Despite his personal failings and the moral decay within his own household, Eli retains sufficient spiritual insight to recognize the divine origin of the calls after the third instance. His crucial and timely instruction to Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:9](/1_samuel/3-9 "1 Samuel 3:9 - Eli Instructs Samuel") underscores the vital and indispensable role of mature spiritual guidance in helping the inexperienced discern God's voice and respond appropriately with faith and obedience. Thirdly, this momentous event signifies **The Dawn of a New Era** in Israel's leadership and prophetic ministry. God's direct and personal communication with Samuel, bypassing the failing priesthood, marks a decisive divine shift, signaling the end of Eli's compromised era and the providential beginning of Samuel's authoritative prophetic ministry, through whom God would powerfully re-establish His word and guidance for the entire nation, as later confirmed and solidified in [1 Samuel 3:19-21](/1_samuel/3-19-21 "1 Samuel 3:19-21 - Samuel's Prophetic Authority Established").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Called (Hebrew, _qārāʼ_):** The Hebrew verb קָרָא (H7121), appearing multiple times in this chapter, signifies a direct, personal, and intentional summons. In this context, it underscores God's sovereign initiative and deliberate choice in selecting Samuel. Unlike a general impression or an internal prompting, this was an audible, unmistakable call, though Samuel initially misattributed its source. The repetition of this word throughout the narrative emphasizes divine persistence and the certainty of God's active, purposeful engagement.
* **Again (Hebrew, _yâçaph_):** The Hebrew root יָסַף (H3254) means "to add or augment," often used adverbially to signify continuing to do a thing. Its presence here, "called Samuel *again* the third time," powerfully highlights God's unwavering patience and persistence. It emphasizes that God was not deterred by Samuel's initial lack of recognition but intentionally repeated His call, demonstrating His steadfast commitment to communicate and establish His will. This repetition is crucial for the narrative's development, leading to Eli's eventual discernment.
* **Perceived (Hebrew, _bîyn_):** The Hebrew verb בִּין (H995) means "to understand," "to discern," or "to comprehend." It implies more than mere hearing or intellectual recognition; it suggests a deep, intuitive, and often spiritual grasp of the truth or reality of a situation. Eli's "perception" here is not simply an intellectual deduction but a moment of spiritual enlightenment. It indicates that the Holy Spirit enabled Eli to move beyond the superficial explanation (Samuel's confusion) to the profound spiritual reality (God's calling). This discernment is absolutely crucial for the narrative's progression, as it empowers Eli to guide Samuel into receiving direct divine revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD called Samuel again the third time."**: This clause immediately establishes the divine initiative and the extraordinary persistence of God. The phrase "again the third time" is not merely a detail but a narrative device emphasizing God's unwavering determination to establish communication with Samuel. It highlights divine patience, demonstrating that God is not deterred by initial misunderstanding, but continues to pursue His chosen vessel, building suspense and underscoring the significance of the moment.
* **"And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here [am] I; for thou didst call me."**: This segment vividly portrays Samuel's innocent obedience and his continued, yet understandable, misunderstanding. His immediate, dutiful response—rising and going to Eli—demonstrates his respect for his mentor and his readiness to serve. However, his earnest declaration, "Here am I; for thou didst call me," reveals his spiritual naiveté; he genuinely believes Eli is the source of the summons, underscoring his inexperience in discerning the distinct voice of the divine.
* **"And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child."**: This is the profound turning point of the verse and indeed the entire narrative. Eli's "perception" signifies a moment of crucial spiritual insight and discernment. After witnessing Samuel's repeated confusion, the High Priest, despite his own personal failings and the spiritual darkness of the era, is divinely granted the wisdom to recognize that the calls are not human but unequivocally divine. This realization is absolutely critical, as it empowers Eli to instruct Samuel on the appropriate response to God's voice, thereby facilitating the transfer of prophetic authority and ensuring the continuation of God's revealed word in Israel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs **Repetition** as a primary literary device, specifically the repeated divine calling of Samuel and his consistent, yet mistaken, response to Eli. This not only powerfully emphasizes God's unwavering persistence but also skillfully builds narrative tension, culminating in Eli's crucial realization. The **Irony** is palpable in Samuel's innocent misunderstanding of the divine call, mistaking the voice of the Almighty for that of a frail old man. This highlights Samuel's spiritual infancy and the striking contrast between the grandeur of God's initiative and Samuel's human limitations. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Foreshadowing**, as Eli's spiritual discernment and subsequent instruction to Samuel set the stage for Samuel's future monumental role as a prophet and judge, a pivotal figure through whom God will speak directly and authoritatively to Israel, thereby replacing the failing priestly lineage of Eli.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The narrative of Samuel's call in 1 Samuel 3:8 resonates deeply with broader biblical themes of divine initiative, the indispensable need for spiritual discernment, and God's enduring faithfulness in raising up new leaders. God is consistently portrayed throughout Scripture as the one who sovereignly calls individuals into His service, often in unexpected ways and to seemingly unlikely people, thereby demonstrating His absolute sovereignty and redemptive purpose. Samuel's initial inability to recognize God's voice powerfully underscores the universal human need for spiritual growth and guidance, a transformative process often facilitated and nurtured by mature believers. Eli, though undeniably flawed, plays a crucial and redemptive role as a spiritual mentor, highlighting the profound importance of intergenerational wisdom and guidance within the faith community. This divine call also signifies God's overarching redemptive plan to restore His word and presence among His people, even when existing structures or leaders have demonstrably failed. It stands as a powerful testament to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant and His beloved people.

* [Exodus 3:4](/exodus/3-4 "God Calls Moses from the Burning Bush")
* [Jeremiah 1:4-5](/jeremiah/1-4-5 "The Call of Jeremiah")
* [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Spiritual Maturity and Discernment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 3:8 offers profound and timeless lessons for contemporary believers regarding our personal walk with God. It serves as a powerful reminder that God is actively speaking, often in ways we may not immediately recognize or expect. Like young Samuel, we may initially misinterpret or be entirely unaware of God's voice, perhaps attributing divine promptings to our own thoughts, external circumstances, or even the suggestions of other people. This narrative calls us to cultivate a posture of intentional listening, a quietness of spirit that is deeply attentive to the subtle and not-so-subtle ways God communicates. Furthermore, Eli's crucial role highlights the invaluable importance of spiritual mentorship in our lives. Just as Eli guided Samuel, we often desperately need the wisdom, experience, and discernment of more seasoned believers to help us interpret God's will and discern His voice in the complexities of our lives. This passage profoundly encourages humility in seeking such guidance and patience in waiting for understanding. Ultimately, it reassures us of God's persistent and patient love, continually calling us into a deeper relationship and purposeful service, even when we are slow to perceive His divine presence. Our ideal response, mirroring Samuel's eventual "Speak, LORD, for your servant hears," should be one of humble, eager, and ready obedience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might God be calling or speaking to you today that you might be misinterpreting or overlooking in your daily life?**
* **Who are the "Elis" in your life—the spiritual mentors, wise counselors, or trusted friends—who can help you discern God's voice and direction? How can you better utilize their wisdom and guidance?**
* **How does Samuel's initial lack of discernment encourage you in your own spiritual journey, knowing that even great prophets started with humble beginnings and needed guidance?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a more "listening heart" and become more attuned to God's ongoing communication in your daily life, whether through Scripture, prayer, or circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Samuel not recognize the LORD's voice initially?**

Answer: Samuel did not recognize the LORD's voice initially for several compelling reasons, primarily due to his youth and profound spiritual inexperience. As [1 Samuel 3:7](/1_samuel/3-7 "1 Samuel 3:7 - Samuel's Lack of Prior Revelation") explicitly states, "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor had the word of the LORD been revealed to him." This indicates that Samuel had no prior personal experience with direct divine communication. He was accustomed to hearing Eli's voice, as he served under him, so naturally, he assumed Eli was the one calling him. This highlights the novelty of God's direct intervention in Samuel's life and underscores the need for spiritual maturity and guidance to discern authentic divine revelation. It also emphasizes the rarity of God's direct word in that era, as noted in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Scarcity of God's Word").

**What does Eli's role in this passage teach us about spiritual mentorship?**

Answer: Eli's role in this passage is exceptionally crucial and teaches us several vital lessons about spiritual mentorship. Despite his own significant failings and the moral corruption of his sons, Eli still possessed sufficient spiritual insight to discern that the mysterious calls Samuel was hearing were indeed from the LORD. His timely and precise instruction to Samuel in [1 Samuel 3:9](/1_samuel/3-9 "1 Samuel 3:9 - Eli Instructs Samuel on How to Respond")—to respond with "Speak, LORD, for your servant hears"—was absolutely pivotal for Samuel's spiritual development. This demonstrates that even imperfect mentors, who may have their own struggles, can still play a critical and redemptive role in guiding others to recognize and respond to God. It powerfully highlights the importance of experienced believers helping those who are new or less experienced in their faith to recognize and respond to God's voice, emphasizing the invaluable intergenerational transfer of spiritual wisdom and discernment within the community of faith.

**Is God still calling people today, and how can we discern His call?**

Answer: Yes, God absolutely continues to call people today, though His methods may vary significantly from the audible call Samuel experienced. While direct audible calls like Samuel's are exceptionally rare, God speaks powerfully and consistently through His inspired written Word (the Bible), the inner promptings of the Holy Spirit, the wise counsel of mature believers, providential circumstances, and even our own Spirit-informed conscience. Discerning God's call in contemporary life requires a combination of spiritual disciplines: consistent and prayerful engagement with Scripture, devoted prayer and listening, cultivating sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's promptings, seeking wise and godly counsel from mature Christians, and aligning our personal desires with God's revealed will. Just as Samuel needed Eli's guidance, we often benefit immensely from the wisdom of spiritual mentors and the confirmation of the Christian community. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a heart that is attentive, responsive, and obedient to God's ongoing communication, much like Samuel's eventual and humble response in [1 Samuel 3:10](/1_samuel/3-10 "1 Samuel 3:10 - Samuel Responds to the LORD").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The repeated divine call to Samuel, his initial lack of recognition, and Eli's crucial role in guiding him to discern God's voice find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God's word was often "precious" and rare, primarily mediated through select prophets and priests. However, in Christ, God's ultimate, most complete, and definitive word was revealed. Jesus is the very [Word of God made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the perfect and final revelation of God's character and will. He is the one whom God "has spoken to us by His Son" (as powerfully declared in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")). Just as Samuel was called to be a prophet who would speak God's truth to Israel, Jesus is the Prophet par excellence, the one to whom all Old Testament prophets pointed (see [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses")). Furthermore, while Eli served as a High Priest who facilitated Samuel's connection to God, Jesus is our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus Our Great High Priest") who perfectly mediates between God and humanity, enabling all believers to draw near to God with confidence and boldness. Through Christ, the "word of the LORD" is no longer scarce but is abundantly and freely available to all who hear His voice and faithfully follow Him, for "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me" (as Jesus Himself states in [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")). Thus, Samuel's call powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, accessible, and all-sufficient divine communication found in Jesus Christ, the one through whom God fully reveals Himself and calls humanity into an eternal and transformative relationship.

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

Job 33:14

¶ For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.

Job 33:15

In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in slumberings upon the bed;

1 Corinthians 13:11

When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

1 Corinthians 13:12

For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.