1 Samuel 3:9

1 Samuel 3:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“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.

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So Eli said to Samuel, Go back: and if the voice comes again, let your answer be, Say on, Lord; for the ears of your servant are open. So Samuel went back to his bed.

Free Bible Version FBV

Eli told Samuel, “Go back to bed, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, because your servant is listening.’” So Samuel went back to his bed.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore Eli saide vnto Samuel, Goe and sleepe: and if he call thee, then say, Speake Lord, for thy seruant heareth. So Samuel went, and slept in his place.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Eli saith to Samuel, 'Go, lie down, and it hath been, if He doth call unto thee, that thou hast said, Speak, Jehovah, for Thy servant is hearing;' and Samuel goeth and lieth down in his place.

World English Bible WEB

Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, LORD; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And said: Here am I: for thou didst call me. Then Heli understood that the Lord called the child, and he said to Samuel: Go, and sleep: and if he shall call thee any more, thou shalt say: Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and slept in his place.

Translation for Translators T4T

So he said to Samuel, “Go and lie down again. If someone calls you again, say ‘Speak to me, Yahweh, because I am listening!’ ” So Samuel went and lay down again.

Plain English Version PEV

so he said, “Go back and lie down. If somebody calls out, say like this, ‘Yes, God, talk to me. I’m listening to you.’” So Samuel went back and lay down.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 3:9

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

1 Samuel 3:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר עֵלִ֣י לִ/שְׁמוּאֵל֮ לֵ֣ךְ שְׁכָב֒ וְ/הָיָה֙ אִם יִקְרָ֣א אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ וְ/אָֽמַרְתָּ֙ דַּבֵּ֣ר יְהוָ֔ה כִּ֥י שֹׁמֵ֖עַ עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֖ב בִּ/מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

עֵלִ֣י ʻÊlîy H5941 Eli N-proper

לִ/שְׁמוּאֵל֮ Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel Prep | N-proper

לֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 to walk V-Qal-Impv-2ms

שְׁכָב֒ shâkab H7901 to lie down V-Qal-Impv-2ms

וְ/הָיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

יִקְרָ֣א qârâʼ H7121 to call V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

וְ/אָֽמַרְתָּ֙ ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-2ms

דַּבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Impv-2ms

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 The Lord N-proper

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj

שֹׁמֵ֖עַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal

עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff

וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ yâlak H3212 to walk Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 Shemuel N-proper

וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֖ב shâkab H7901 to lie down Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

בִּ/מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ mâqôwm H4725 place Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 3:9

וַ/יֹּ֨אמֶר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

עֵלִ֣י ʻÊlîy H5941 "Eli" N-proper

Eli was a high priest in the Bible, mentioned in 1 Samuel. He was the father of Hophni and Phinehas, and played a significant role in the story of Samuel. The name Eli means 'ascension'.

Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Sa.1.3; father of: Hophni (H2652), Phinehas (H6372H) § Eli = "ascension" descendant of Aaron through Ithamar and high priest and judge of Israel when Samuel entered service as a child

Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Eli. See also: 1 Samuel 1:3; 1 Samuel 3:6; 1 Kings 2:27.

לִ/שְׁמוּאֵל֮ Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" Prep | N-proper

Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Issachar living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, only mentioned at 1Ch.7.2; son of: Tola (H8439); brother of: Uzzi (H5813H), Rephaiah (H7509I), Jeriel (H3400), Jahmai (H3181) and Ibsam (H3005) § Samuel = "his name is El" 1) son of Elkanah by his wife Hannah and judge or prophet of Israel during the days of Saul and David 2) son Ammihud and the prince of the tribe of Simeon who was chosen to divide the land of Canaan between the tribes. Spelled 'Shemuel' 3) son of Tola and grandson of Issachar. Spelled 'Shemuel'

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.

לֵ֣ךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.

שְׁכָב֒ shâkab H7901 "to lie down" V-Qal-Impv-2ms

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid

Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.

וְ/הָיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

יִקְרָ֣א qârâʼ H7121 "to call" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.

Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen

Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.

אֵלֶ֔י/ךָ ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

וְ/אָֽמַרְתָּ֙ ʼâmar H559 "to say" Conj | V-Qal-2ms

דַּבֵּ֣ר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Impv-2ms

To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.

Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight

Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

יְהוָ֔ה Yᵉhôvâh H3068 "The Lord" N-proper

Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)

Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.

כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

שֹׁמֵ֖עַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

עַבְדֶּ֑/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

וַ/יֵּ֣לֶךְ yâlak H3212 "to walk" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.

שְׁמוּאֵ֔ל Shᵉmûwʼêl H8050 "Shemuel" N-proper

Shemuel was the name of three Israelites, including a judge and prophet of Israel during the time of King Saul and King David. His name means his name is El and he was the son of Elkanah and Hannah.

Usage: Occurs in 120 OT verses. KJV: Samuel, Shemuel. See also: Numbers 34:20; 1 Samuel 12:1; Psalms 99:6.

וַ/יִּשְׁכַּ֖ב shâkab H7901 "to lie down" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.

בִּ/מְקוֹמֽ/וֹ mâqôwm H4725 "place" Prep | N-ms | Suff

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

Study Notes — 1 Samuel 3:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
1 Samuel 3:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:9
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:9
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:9
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:9
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:9
Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:9

Context — The LORD Calls Samuel

7Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, because the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him. 8Once 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.

9“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.

10Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.” 11Then the LORD said to Samuel, “I am about to do something in Israel at which the ears of all who hear it will tingle.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 20:19	“Speak to us yourself and we will listen,” they said to Moses. “But do not let God speak to us, or we will die.”
2	Isaiah 6:8	Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?” And I said: “Here am I. Send me!”
3	Psalms 85:8	I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints; He will not let them return to folly.
4	Acts 9:6	“Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”
5	Daniel 10:19	“Do not be afraid, you who are highly precious,” he said. “Peace be with you! Be strong now; be very strong!” As he spoke with me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, for you have strengthened me.”

1 Samuel 3:9 Summary

In this verse, Samuel is being told by Eli to go back to bed and listen for the Lord's voice, and if He calls, to say 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening'. This means that Samuel is being encouraged to be attentive to God's voice and to respond with humility and obedience. This is similar to how we are called to listen to God in Psalm 119:145, and to respond with a willingness to obey, as seen in John 10:27. By saying 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening', Samuel is showing that he is ready to hear and respond to God's voice, and we can learn from his example to do the same in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was happening to Samuel that he didn't understand at first?

Samuel did not yet know the Lord, because the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him, as stated in 1 Samuel 3:7, and he thought Eli was calling him.

Why did Eli tell Samuel to say 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening'?

Eli told Samuel to say this because he realized the Lord was calling Samuel, and he wanted Samuel to be prepared to respond to God's voice, similar to how we are called to listen to God in Isaiah 55:3.

How did Samuel's response to Eli's instruction show his willingness to obey?

Samuel's response showed his willingness to obey because he went and lay down in his place, as instructed by Eli, and was ready to respond to the Lord if He called him again, demonstrating a humble and submissive heart like in Psalm 25:9.

What can we learn from Samuel's experience about hearing God's voice?

We can learn that hearing God's voice often requires a willingness to listen and respond, as Samuel did, and that God can speak to us in various ways, as seen in 1 Samuel 3:10, and it is our responsibility to be attentive to His voice, as encouraged in Proverbs 1:23.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has been trying to speak to me, and how can I be more attentive to His voice?
How can I cultivate a heart of humility and submission, like Samuel, to be more receptive to God's leading in my life?
What are some distractions or obstacles in my life that might be preventing me from hearing God's voice clearly, and how can I remove them?
How can I apply the principle of saying 'Speak, LORD, for Your servant is listening' in my daily life, and what would it look like to truly listen to God's voice?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 3:9

Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, go, lie down,.... Once more; and it shall be, if he call thee; the voice, or the Lord by it: that thou shalt say, speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth; his meaning is,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 3:9

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. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:9

Thy servant heareth, i.e. I am ready to hear what thou speakest, and to do what thou requirest.

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:9

1 Samuel 3:9 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.Ver. 9. That thou shalt say, Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth.] Eli, though his conscience told him that Samuel would shortly bespeak him, as afterwards Ahijah the prophet did Jeroboam’ s wife, "I am sent to thee with heavy tidings," yet he instructeth him when God called again, what answer he should make: and saith in effect, as that holy Dutch doctor did, Veniat, veniat verbum Dei et submittemus ei, sexcenta si nobis essent colla. Let the word of God be what it will, I will surely submit to it.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:9

(9, 10) And the Lord came, and stood.—Then before the boy, as he lay and waited for the voice, came something, and it stood before him. The question naturally occurs to us, What came and stood before the boy’s couch? As a rule, we find that generally, when the Lord was pleased to take some form, the form is specified. Now, as in Abraham’s case at Mamre, it was a traveller; now, as in Joshua’s, an armed warrior; very frequently, as to Manoah, the form was that of an angel; here nothing is specially described. Was it not that simply “the glory” on which Moses gazed when he met the Holy One on Sinai—“the glory” which seemed to rest at times in the lightless Holy of Holies on the golden mercy-seat of the Ark of the Covenant? Was it not this “visible glory”—Shekinah. as the Hebrews termed it—which filled the chamber of the child, and from out of this came the voice of the Eternal, and spoke to Samuel? “See how God loves holiness in children. The child Samuel was preferred by Him to Eli, the aged high priest and judge.”—Theodoret, quoted by Bishop Wordsworth.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 3:9

Verse 9. Speak, Lord; for thy servant heareth] This was the usual way in which the prophets spoke, when they had intimations that the Lord was about to make some especial revelation.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 3:9

Ch. 1 Samuel 3:1-10. The Call of Samuel 1. the child Samuel] According to Josephus, Samuel had just completed his twelfth year when the word of Jehovah came to him. In later times this age was a critical point in the life of a Jewish boy. He then became ‘a son of the Law,’ and was regarded as personally responsible for obedience to it. It was at the age of twelve that “the child Jesus” first went up to Jerusalem along with his parents (Luke 2:42). ministered] Cp. 1 Samuel 2:11; 1 Samuel 2:18. was precious] Rather, was rare. In the general decay of religion, prophetic communications from God had almost entirely ceased. Cp. Amos 8:11; Psalms 74:9. We read of two prophets only in the days of the Judges (Judges 4:4; Judges 6:8). there was no open vision] Rather, there was no vision published abroad. The word is used in 2 Chronicles 31:5 of the publication of a decree (E. V. came abroad). There was no publicly acknowledged prophet, whose ‘word came to all Israel.’

Sermons on 1 Samuel 3:9

	Sermon	Description
	Patmos Christians by Vance Havner	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to have a true vision of Jesus, rather than just a pleasant image of the man of Galilee. He criticizes the church's
	Children Obey by Valsan Thampu	Valsan Thampu preaches on the biblical mandate for children to obey their parents, emphasizing that parental authority is derived from God Himself. Obedience is highlighted as a sp
	Spiritual Discernment by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual discernment among Christians, particularly leaders, in a time when Bible knowledge is abundant yet moral insight is lacking. He
	Truth Speaks Inwardly Without the Sound of Words by Thomas a Kempis	Thomas a Kempis emphasizes the importance of seeking direct communication with God, rather than relying solely on the words of prophets or messengers. He urges for a personal conne
	Bible Survey - 1 & 2 Samuel by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the transition of leadership in Israel from Patriarchs to Kings, focusing on key characters like Samuel, Saul, and David. The sermon highlights the conseq
	How to Listen to a Straight Sermon by John Hames	John Hames emphasizes the importance of listening to strong sermons without losing confidence or becoming discouraged. He highlights how inexperienced converts may struggle to acce
	The Voice of God by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of examining our motives rather than just our actions. He shares a personal story of listening to a preacher who spoke about