The boy Samuel served the LORD before Eli. In those days the word of the LORD was rare and visions were not widespread. Eli lay in his own place, his eyes growing dim so that he could not see. God’s lamp had not yet gone out, and Samuel lay in the sanctuary where the ark was.
The LORD called Samuel. Samuel answered and ran to Eli, thinking Eli had called him. Eli said he had not and sent him back to bed. The call came a second time, and Samuel again went to Eli, who sent him back. Samuel did not yet know the LORD, and the LORD’s word had not yet been revealed to him.
The LORD called a third time. Samuel went to Eli and said he was there. Eli then understood that the LORD was calling the boy. He told Samuel to lie down and, if called again, to ask the LORD to speak because his servant was listening. Samuel returned to his place.
The LORD came and stood, calling Samuel’s name again. Samuel answered as Eli had taught him. God said that he would do something in Israel that would make both ears of everyone who heard it tingle. God would fulfill against Eli’s house all that had been spoken. Eli knew his sons were bringing a curse upon themselves and did not restrain them. God would judge that household forever, and its guilt would never be removed by sacrifice or offering.
Samuel lay until morning and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. He was afraid to tell Eli the vision. Eli called him and required that he hide nothing. Samuel told him all of it. Eli answered that the LORD was the LORD and would do what seemed good.
Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, letting none of his words fall to the ground. All Israel from Dan to Beersheba knew that Samuel was established as a prophet of the LORD. The LORD continued to appear at Shiloh and revealed himself to Samuel by the word of the LORD. Samuel’s word came to all Israel.