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1 Samuel 3:6

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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.

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}.

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."

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.”

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

1 Samuel 3:6 continues the narrative of God's persistent calling to young Samuel, who is serving in the Tabernacle under the aged High Priest Eli. This verse highlights Samuel's sincere but mistaken response, as he still believes it is Eli calling him, not the Lord.

Historical and Cultural Context

This passage takes place during a period of spiritual decline in Israel, as noted in 1 Samuel 3:1, where "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision." Eli, the High Priest, was old, and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt, bringing disrepute to the priesthood. Samuel, though young, was dedicated to the Lord's service. The scene unfolds at night within the Tabernacle, a sacred space where God's presence was manifested. Samuel's immediate response to the call, even in the darkness, demonstrates his dutiful and obedient nature.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Persistence: The phrase "called yet again" underscores God's unwavering determination to communicate with Samuel. This isn't a one-time attempt but a repeated, clear calling.
  • Innocence and Naivete: Samuel's youth and lack of experience with direct divine communication are evident. He genuinely mistakes the Lord's voice for Eli's, showing his spiritual immaturity at this stage. This sets the stage for his growth in discerning God's voice.
  • Eli's Initial Unawareness: Eli's repeated denial of calling Samuel indicates his own initial lack of spiritual discernment regarding God's activity. However, his eventual recognition in 1 Samuel 3:8 is crucial for Samuel's development.
  • Obedience and Readiness: Despite his misunderstanding, Samuel's immediate response ("arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I") showcases his readiness and willingness to serve, a foundational quality for future leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word used for "called" is qara' (קָרָא), which denotes a direct, audible, and intentional summoning. Its repetition in this chapter emphasizes that God's communication was not a subtle impression or a dream, but a distinct voice that Samuel could hear, even if he couldn't identify the source. This direct calling highlights the personal nature of God's initiation of a relationship with Samuel.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Discerning God's Voice: Like Samuel, we may not always immediately recognize when God is speaking to us. It often requires spiritual maturity, patience, and sometimes, the guidance of others (as Eli eventually provides in 1 Samuel 3:9).
  • God's Persistence in Calling: God is persistent in drawing us closer and revealing His will. He doesn't give up after one attempt. We are encouraged to remain attentive and open to His repeated invitations.
  • Readiness to Respond: Samuel's immediate "Here am I" attitude, even in confusion, is a model of readiness. It encourages us to be willing to respond to God's call, even when we don't fully understand it, trusting that He will clarify His purpose. This echoes the sentiment of being prepared for God's work, as seen in passages about Isaiah's response in Isaiah 6:8.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 18:22 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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 (2 votes)

    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.