1 Samuel 3 4

1 Samuel 3:4 kjv

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.

1 Samuel 3:4 nkjv

that the LORD called Samuel. And he answered, "Here I am!"

1 Samuel 3:4 niv

Then the LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered, "Here I am."

1 Samuel 3:4 esv

Then the LORD called Samuel, and he said, "Here I am!"

1 Samuel 3:4 nlt

Suddenly the LORD called out, "Samuel!" "Yes?" Samuel replied. "What is it?"

1 Samuel 3 verses

1 Samuel 3 4 Meaning

The LORD God initiates a direct and personal communication with young Samuel, calling him specifically by his name. Samuel, though initially unaware it is God, promptly responds with a posture of readiness and immediate availability, expressing his willingness to heed the call. This event marks the pivotal beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry and a new era of divine revelation for Israel, breaking a period of spiritual silence.

1 Samuel 3 4 Context

First Samuel chapter 3 begins in a period of spiritual decline in Israel, highlighted by the statement that "the word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision" (1 Sam 3:1). This contrasts with earlier periods of robust divine communication. The high priest Eli, though a spiritual leader, had failed to restrain his wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, leading to corruption in the priestly service at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was located. Amidst this spiritual dimness, Samuel, a young boy dedicated to the LORD by his mother Hannah, serves in the Tabernacle under Eli. Verse 4 details the unprecedented moment when God breaks His silence, choosing to communicate directly with this humble youth, marking a new chapter in Israel's history—a divine re-initiation of prophecy through Samuel, who would become a key transitional figure between the era of judges and the establishment of the monarchy.

1 Samuel 3 4 Word analysis

• Then: Indicates a sequence of events, a temporal shift. It signifies that this divine call happened at a particular time, specifically after a period where God's word was infrequent (1 Sam 3:1).

• the LORD: Hebrew: יְהוָה (YHWH), often rendered "Yahweh." This is the covenant name of God, revealing His personal, relational, and self-existent nature. Its use here underscores that the communication is from the sovereign God of Israel, not a lesser deity or spirit. It highlights His personal initiative and direct involvement.

• called: Hebrew: קָרָא (qara'). Means to cry out, summon, proclaim, or invite. In this context, it implies an audible and distinct vocalization from God. It denotes an intentional, deliberate act of communication designed to get Samuel's attention and engage him directly.

• Samuel: Hebrew: שְׁמוּאֵל (Shmu'el). Samuel's name means "Heard by God" or "Name of God." God calling him by name emphasizes the personal nature of the summons. It speaks to God's intimate knowledge of individuals and His specific selection of Samuel. The very identity of Samuel is tied to God's listening (his mother's prayer).

• saying, "Samuel!": The repetition of the name emphasizes the directness, clarity, and undeniable focus of God's call. It removes any ambiguity as to who is being addressed. It's a personal and intentional address, making the listener turn and recognize that he is indeed the one spoken to.

• And he answered: Implies an immediate, unhesitating response. This shows Samuel's attentiveness and responsiveness, even before full understanding. His ready ear and heart are crucial for what is to follow.

• "Here I am!": Hebrew: הִנֵּנִי (hin·ne·ni). This is a significant biblical idiom expressing immediate availability, readiness, attentiveness, and a willingness to obey or serve. It conveys a posture of submission and complete presence to the one calling. It is not merely "I am here" but "Behold me, ready and present for whatever you may command." It reflects a heart prepared to listen and respond to divine instruction, a vital quality for any servant of God.

• Then the LORD called Samuel: This phrase establishes God's absolute initiative. It's God seeking out Samuel, not Samuel striving to hear God. It signals the breaking of a spiritual drought, demonstrating God's sovereign freedom to reveal Himself and choose His instruments even in challenging times. This divine initiative is fundamental to the entire narrative of God's relationship with humanity.

• called Samuel, saying, "Samuel!": This double address underscores the profoundly personal and deliberate nature of God's communication. It highlights that God speaks directly, clearly, and unmistakably to His chosen one, leaving no doubt about the recipient of the divine message. It signifies a distinct call for a distinct purpose.

• And he answered, "Here I am!": This immediate response demonstrates Samuel's attentiveness and spiritual readiness. Even without fully discerning the source, his default posture is one of availability and willingness to listen. This prompt "hin·ne·ni" is the indispensable foundation for entering into true divine encounter and service, reflecting a heart yielded to authority and open to instruction.

1 Samuel 3 4 Bonus section

• Setting the Stage for a New Era: This specific call to Samuel in the tabernacle at Shiloh signifies the end of a spiritually stagnant era, particularly linked to the corrupt priesthood of Eli's sons, and the dawn of a new prophetic period with Samuel as the first of the major prophets.
• Contrast with Eli's Household: The purity and readiness of young Samuel contrast sharply with the spiritual dullness of Eli and the wickedness of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. God bypasses the established, but failing, spiritual authority to raise up a new instrument for His purposes.
• The Element of Night: The call comes to Samuel during the night (1 Sam 3:3), symbolically fitting for a period when divine vision was rare and spiritual darkness prevailed (1 Sam 3:1). God's light and revelation are breaking into the night.
• Progression of the Call: The fact that God calls Samuel multiple times (verses 4, 6, 8) before Eli discerns the source highlights God's patience and persistence in getting Samuel's attention and in revealing His will. It also underscores the need for guidance in discerning the divine voice, a lesson taught by Eli to Samuel (1 Sam 3:9).

1 Samuel 3 4 Commentary

First Samuel 3:4 unveils the sovereign hand of God breaking through a period of profound spiritual quietness in Israel, not to the aged and failing high priest Eli, but to a young, innocent boy, Samuel. This moment is transformative, signifying God's direct re-engagement with His people through a new prophetic voice. The detailed account of the call—"the LORD called Samuel, saying, "Samuel!"'—underscores God's personal and unmistakable approach. The repetition of Samuel's name ensures clarity and draws him into a direct encounter. Samuel's unhesitating response, "Here I am!", epitomizes the essential posture of availability and readiness that God seeks in His servants. Even though Samuel initially misidentifies the source, his willingness to respond immediately is what ultimately positions him to receive divine revelation. This readiness, marked by the powerful Hebrew term 'hin·ne·ni,' highlights the foundational requirement for divine interaction: a heart poised to listen and a spirit ready to obey, thereby initiating Samuel’s journey as God's chosen prophet and leader for Israel.

Examples:

• A youth, without grand ambitions, remains humble and attentive, positioning themselves for God's call.
• A believer, asked to serve in a capacity beyond their perceived abilities, responds with a simple "Here I am," trusting God.
• In times of spiritual dormancy in a community, an individual maintains a listening heart, anticipating God's sovereign breakthrough.