1 Samuel 3:9

KJV

Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore Eli {H5941} said {H559} unto Samuel {H8050}, Go {H3212}, lie down {H7901}: and it shall be, if he call {H7121} thee, that thou shalt say {H559}, Speak {H1696}, LORD {H3068}; for thy servant {H5650} heareth {H8085}. So Samuel {H8050} went {H3212} and lay down {H7901} in his place {H4725}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So 'Eli said to Sh'mu'el, "Go, and lie down. If you are called again, say, 'Speak, ADONAI; your servant is listening.' Sh'mu'el went and lay down in his place.

Berean Standard Bible

“Go and lie down,” he said to Samuel, “and if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

American Standard Version

Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Jehovah; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 3:9 marks a pivotal moment in the life of young Samuel, serving under the aged priest Eli at the Tabernacle in Shiloh. After God calls Samuel three times in the night, with Samuel mistaking the divine voice for Eli's, this verse captures Eli's crucial spiritual discernment. Despite his own personal failings and the wickedness of his sons, Eli wisely instructs Samuel on how to respond to the LORD's call, guiding the boy toward a direct and receptive encounter with the divine voice that would shape his prophetic ministry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the culmination of a dramatic sequence initiated in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord was Rare"), which states that "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision." God calls Samuel by name three distinct times ([1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - The Lord Calls Samuel"), [1 Samuel 3:6](/1_samuel/3-6 "1 Samuel 3:6 - The Second Call"), [1 Samuel 3:8](/1_samuel/3-8 "1 Samuel 3:8 - The Third Call")), and each time Samuel, unfamiliar with direct divine communication, runs to Eli, assuming the old priest is calling him. Eli's initial lack of understanding gives way to spiritual insight, leading to the instruction given in [1 Samuel 3:9](/1_samuel/3-9 "1 Samuel 3:9 - Eli's Counsel to Samuel"). This narrative sets the stage for Samuel's prophetic calling and establishes him as God's chosen messenger, contrasting sharply with the corrupt priesthood of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, whose depravity is detailed in [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel occur during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by spiritual decline, moral decay, and a lack of centralized leadership in Israel, as summarized in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes"). The Tabernacle at Shiloh served as the central place of worship, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. However, the priesthood, under Eli and his sons, had become corrupt and ineffective, leading to a spiritual vacuum. Direct divine revelation, as noted in [1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord was Rare"), was rare, making Samuel's experience particularly significant. The cultural expectation was that divine messages would come through established prophets or priests, but here God bypasses the failing system to raise up a new, pure voice.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Samuel and beyond. It highlights the theme of **Spiritual Discernment**, as Eli, despite his personal failings, demonstrates the ability to recognize the hand of God at work and guide Samuel. This underscores the importance of mature spiritual guidance for those new to divine encounters, a principle echoed in [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Discerning Good and Evil"), which speaks of those who "by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." Furthermore, Samuel's instructed response, "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth," establishes a foundational theme of **Obedience and Readiness to Hear**. This posture of humility and active listening is crucial for receiving and acting upon divine instruction, setting the stage for Samuel's powerful prophetic ministry, through which he became a recognized prophet and judge throughout Israel, as affirmed in [1 Samuel 3:20](/1_samuel/3-20 "1 Samuel 3:20 - Samuel Established as a Prophet").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heareth (Hebrew, _shama'_):** While literally meaning 'to hear' or 'to listen,' the Hebrew verb *shama* (שָׁמַע) carries a profound theological weight in biblical contexts. It implies not merely the perception of sound, but an attentive, understanding, and obedient hearing. To *shama* God's voice means to listen with the intent to comprehend and, crucially, to respond in obedience. Thus, Samuel's declaration, "thy servant heareth," is far more than a passive acknowledgment; it is an active commitment to submit to divine will and to carry out whatever the LORD commands, laying the groundwork for his prophetic ministry as one who truly hears and obeys God.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _YHWH_):** The use of "LORD" (rendered in KJV as "LORD" in small capitals) represents the divine covenant name, Yahweh (YHWH). This specific name emphasizes God's personal, relational, and covenantal nature. Eli's instruction to Samuel to address the voice as "LORD" signifies that this is not a generic spiritual encounter but a direct communication from the sovereign, covenant-keeping God of Israel, establishing the personal and authoritative nature of the call.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down:":** This clause marks Eli's transition from confusion to discernment. Having realized that the calls were not from him, Eli, drawing on his priestly experience, correctly attributes the voice to the LORD. His instruction for Samuel to "go, lie down" is practical, returning Samuel to the place where the call occurred, but also implicitly prepares Samuel for a sacred encounter, emphasizing the need for quiet readiness.
* **"and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD;":** This is the core of Eli's spiritual guidance. He provides Samuel with the precise words to articulate a posture of readiness and address the divine caller appropriately. "Speak, LORD" is an invitation, an acknowledgment of the divine speaker's authority and a plea for revelation. It shifts Samuel's focus from mistaking the voice to actively engaging with its true source.
* **"for thy servant heareth.":** This is Samuel's instructed response, a declaration of humble submission and attentive obedience. The phrase "thy servant" expresses humility and availability, acknowledging God's mastership. "Heareth" (Hebrew *shama'*) signifies not just auditory perception but a profound willingness to listen, understand, and act upon God's word. This phrase becomes a timeless model for responding to divine revelation.
* **"So Samuel went and lay down in his place.":** This concluding clause demonstrates Samuel's immediate and simple obedience to Eli's instruction. His willingness to follow the guidance of his mentor, even in the face of an unprecedented spiritual experience, highlights his teachable spirit and sets the stage for God's subsequent, clear communication with him.

#### Literary Devices
The passage employs several impactful literary devices. **Repetition** is central, with God's call to Samuel occurring three times prior to this verse ([1 Samuel 3:4](/1_samuel/3-4 "1 Samuel 3:4 - The Lord Calls Samuel"), [1 Samuel 3:6](/1_samuel/3-6 "1 Samuel 3:6 - The Second Call"), [1 Samuel 3:8](/1_samuel/3-8 "1 Samuel 3:8 - The Third Call")), building narrative tension and emphasizing Samuel's spiritual inexperience and Eli's eventual discernment. There is a subtle **irony** in Eli, whose own household is marked by spiritual corruption and a failure to hear God's warnings ([1 Samuel 2:27-36](/1_samuel/2-27 "1 Samuel 2:27-36 - Prophecy Against Eli's House")), becoming the crucial spiritual guide for the nascent prophet Samuel. This moment of Eli's discernment stands out as a redemptive, albeit brief, highlight in his otherwise tragic story. The entire scene serves as **foreshadowing**, as Samuel's humble and obedient response ("thy servant heareth") sets the tone for his entire prophetic ministry, where he consistently serves as God's faithful messenger. Finally, there is a clear **contrast** between the spiritual dullness and disobedience of Eli's sons and the emerging spiritual sensitivity and readiness of young Samuel, signaling a shift in divine favor and leadership.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 3:9 is a foundational text for understanding divine-human communication, spiritual mentorship, and the posture of a receptive heart. Theologically, it underscores God's initiative in calling individuals into His service, often in unexpected ways and through unlikely means (like a child in the night). It highlights that discerning God's voice is not always immediate or intuitive, requiring both spiritual sensitivity and, at times, the guidance of mature believers. The verse also emphasizes the profound significance of a humble and obedient response to God's call; Samuel's "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" becomes a timeless model for all who seek to walk in God's will, signifying a readiness not just to listen, but to understand and act. This divine encounter marks the beginning of Samuel's transition from a temple servant to a pivotal prophet, judge, and king-maker in Israel, demonstrating God's faithfulness to raise up new leadership in times of spiritual decline.

* [Isaiah 6:8](/isaiah/6-8 "Isaiah 6:8 - Here Am I, Send Me")
* [Hebrews 5:14](/hebrews/5-14 "Hebrews 5:14 - Discerning Good and Evil")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 3:9 offers profound and enduring lessons for believers in every age. In a world saturated with noise and competing voices, the challenge of discerning God's voice remains paramount. Like Samuel, we may initially struggle to recognize how God speaks, whether through Scripture, prayer, circumstances, or the counsel of others. This verse encourages us to cultivate a posture of attentive listening, not merely passive hearing, and to be open to guidance from spiritual mentors, just as Eli guided Samuel. The phrase "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" should become our consistent heart's cry, signifying a deep desire for God's revelation and a commitment to obey whatever He reveals. This readiness opens the door for God to speak into our lives, to reveal His will, and to use us for His purposes, regardless of our age, experience, or perceived limitations. It reminds us that spiritual growth and effective service begin with a humble, attentive heart, eager to hear and respond to the voice of the LORD.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we cultivate a heart like Samuel's, ready to say, "Speak, LORD; for your servant hears," in our daily lives?**
* **In what ways can we seek and receive spiritual mentorship, especially when discerning God's voice amidst life's complexities?**
* **What practical steps can we take to better discern God's voice amidst the many distractions and competing voices of our modern world?**

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

Answer:Samuel was very young and had not yet had a personal, direct encounter with God's voice. The text in [1 Samuel 3:7](/1_samuel/3-7 "1 Samuel 3:7 - Samuel Did Not Yet Know the Lord") explicitly states, "Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him." This indicates his inexperience with divine revelation, which was also rare in those days ([1 Samuel 3:1](/1_samuel/3-1 "1 Samuel 3:1 - The Word of the Lord was Rare")). He naturally assumed the voice was Eli's, as Eli was his primary authority figure in the Tabernacle.

**What does Eli's role here tell us about spiritual leadership despite personal failings?**

Answer:Eli's instruction to Samuel is a powerful example of spiritual insight and mentorship, even from someone with significant personal and familial failings. Despite his failure to restrain his wicked sons ([1 Samuel 2:22-25](/1_samuel/2-22 "1 Samuel 2:22-25 - Eli's Sons' Wickedness")), Eli still possessed enough spiritual understanding to discern that God was calling Samuel. This demonstrates that God can use imperfect vessels for His purposes, and that even flawed leaders can offer crucial guidance to others in their spiritual journey. It's a testament to God's grace and His ability to work through individuals despite their weaknesses.

**Is "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" a model for all believers?**

Answer:Absolutely. Samuel's instructed response has become a timeless paradigm for a humble, submissive, and attentive posture before God. It embodies a readiness to listen actively, to understand, and to obey God's will, whatever it may be. This attitude of receptivity and obedience is fundamental to a thriving relationship with God for any believer, enabling them to discern and follow His leading in their lives, just as Samuel did.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The readiness of Samuel to hear God's voice and respond with "Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth" finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ. While Samuel was a servant who learned to hear and obey, Christ is the quintessential Servant of the LORD, who perfectly and eternally heard and obeyed the Father's will. Jesus declared, "I always do those things that please Him" ([John 8:29](/john/8-29 "John 8:29 - Jesus Always Does the Father's Will")), demonstrating a complete and unwavering posture of "thy servant heareth." Furthermore, if Samuel was a vessel through whom God spoke, Christ Himself is the very Word of God incarnate, the ultimate revelation of the Father to humanity ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God"), [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus opens the way for all believers to truly "hear" God's voice, not merely as an external command, but as an internal transformation by the Holy Spirit. We, as His sheep, are enabled to "hear His voice" and follow Him ([John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice")), becoming servants of righteousness through our union with the perfectly obedient Son. Thus, Samuel's humble declaration points forward to the perfect obedience of Christ, who makes our own hearing and obeying possible.

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

Psalms 85:8

¶ I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

Exodus 20:19

And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

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.

Acts 9:6

And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

Daniel 10:19

And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace [be] unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.