Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli. And the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.
At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.
Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” and ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down.
And the LORD called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the word of the LORD had not yet been revealed to him.
Comment: We have here in this passage several things of note.
- There was a background of little direct interference from God around this period. No messages from God by word or vision.
- Presumably this scene is set in the early morning. The night lamp in the temple had not been snuffed out yet. Eli was going blind but we can assume that the young boy Samuel could see well.
- Samuel hears God calling his name, but thinking it is Eli calling, runs to find out what Eli wants. But Eli has no idea what is going on.
- The cycle is repeated.
- We are told that Samuel had no concept that God could/would correspond with him.
Prayer: If you somehow want to get a message through to me, please let me know that it is You.
As I read it! 