1 Samuel 3 and the heart of a true servant

If we want to be used by G-d, we must grow in discernment.
And a foundational part of discernment is the ability to recognize the Word of G-d and respond to it with obedience.

In 1 Samuel 3, we watch a young boy named Samuel move from serving in the tabernacle in a routine way… to personally hearing G-d’s voice and becoming a faithful prophet to Israel. This passage teaches us what kind of heart G-d calls, how we learn to discern His voice, and why obedience is the doorway to true spiritual transformation.

Serving Under Imperfect Authority

The chapter opens with a simple but powerful statement:

“Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the L-rd before Eli…”

Samuel is serving the L-rd, but he is doing so under the authority of Eli, a priest who is far from perfect. Eli has failed as a father and as a spiritual leader. His sons are corrupt, and G-d has already announced judgment upon his house.

Yet Samuel still serves under Eli.

This teaches us an important principle:

• G-d often begins to train us under imperfect human authority.
• Learning to recognize and respect authority prepares us to recognize and submit to G-d’s authority.

If we refuse to be under authority, we will never be trustworthy in authority.

A Rare Word and a Dim Vision

The second part of verse 1 tells us:

“The word of the L-rd was rare in those days;
there was no widespread vision.”

The literal word for “rare” also means precious. G-d’s word was precious because it was so seldom heard. Why? Because of spiritual corruption, disobedience, and poor leadership.

When people:

• Follow their own desires
• Ignore G-d’s instructions
• Tolerate sin and compromise

…then the manifestations of G-d’s word, His power, and His miracles will be rare. Much like our own generation, there can be many religious activities—but very little true revelation.

Fading Eyes and a Lamp That Has Not Yet Gone Out

We are told that Eli was lying down, and:

“His eyes had begun to grow dim, so that he could not see.”

Physically and spiritually, Eli lacked discernment. He could no longer see clearly, either with his natural eyes or with his spiritual understanding.

Yet the text adds something hopeful:

“The lamp of G-d had not yet gone out,
and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the L-rd,
where the ark of G-d was.”

The lamp of G-d (the menorah) symbolized:

• G-d’s presence
• G-d’s light among His people

The ark of G-d contained:

• The commandments
• A visible reminder that G-d’s power is connected to His Word

When we submit to the commandments of G-d and apply His Word to our lives, we invite:

• His presence
• His power
• His guidance
• His vision

“Here I Am” – The Heart of Availability

Then the L-rd calls Samuel.

Samuel’s immediate response is the classic Hebrew expression “Hineni” – “Here I am.”

This phrase combines “behold” and “I” and expresses:

• Availability
• Submissiveness
• A desire to be used by G-d

The patriarchs used this same word when G-d called them. It is the language of those who say:

“L-rd, I’m available. Here I am. Use me.”

If we truly desire to walk in the will of G-d, we must ask ourselves:

• Do I actually want to be used by G-d?
• Am I willing to surrender my plans to embrace His?
• Am I passionate about His will above my comfort and reputation?

Those who say “Here I am” with sincerity will discover G-d’s provision, counsel, and leadership in their lives.

Learning Through Obedience and Authority

Each time Samuel hears the voice of G-d, he thinks it is Eli calling.

He runs to Eli and repeats: “Here I am, for you called me.”

Even though Eli is flawed, Samuel:

• Responds quickly
• Shows respect
• Obeys his instructions (“Go lie down again”)

Samuel’s pattern is clear:

• Quick to obey
• Quick to recognize authority
• Consistent in listening and responding

G-d is showing us that before Samuel recognizes G-d’s voice, he proves himself faithful in honoring and obeying the authority placed over him.

Knowing G-d Through His Word

Verse 7 gives us a crucial insight:

“Now Samuel did not yet know the L-rd,
nor had the word of the L-rd yet been revealed to him.”

This does not mean Samuel was ignorant of Scripture or unbelieving. It means he had not yet had a personal, direct experience with G-d’s voice.

Then the verse ties that experience to something vital:

• Knowing the L-rd is connected to
• The word of the L-rd being revealed to us

In other words:

We come to truly know G-d through His Word.

Not just through mystical experiences or vague impressions, but through the written Scriptures that reveal who He is, what He has done, and what He has called us to do.

Everything essential about G-d’s character and will has been given to us in His Word.

Serving First, Then Seeing G-d’s Work

The chapter began:

“The boy Samuel was ministering to the L-rd…”

Nothing spiritually powerful happens in our lives until we make a basic decision:

I will serve the L-rd.

As we begin to serve:

• G-d does not change—we do.
• His workmanship begins to take shape in our character.
• Our priorities, desires, and decisions are transformed.

When we serve Him, He starts shaping us into people who can hear His voice and carry His message.

The Third Call: Revelation and Discernment

G-d calls Samuel three times. The third time, something changes.

“Then Eli perceived that the L-rd had called the boy.”

The number three in Scripture is often connected to revelation—something is being documented, confirmed, made clear.

Eli finally discerns that G-d is calling Samuel and instructs him:

“Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you shall say,
‘Speak, L-rd, for Your servant is listening.’”

In this simple response, we see the heart that G-d uses:

• “Speak, L-rd” – acknowledging G-d’s authority
• “Your servant” – embracing our role
• “Is listening” – readiness to respond and obey

This is the posture of a true disciple.

In the Right Place to Hear

Samuel returns to lie down “in his place.”

That detail matters. It means:

• He was where he was supposed to be.
• In the position and location G-d had assigned.

We, too, must ask G-d:

• “L-rd, bring me to the place where I should be.”
• “Help me to walk in Your will and remain there.”

When we are in G-d’s will:

• We will experience G-d’s presence
• Receive G-d’s power
• See G-d’s provision
• Gain G-d’s perspective

G-d Stands and Speaks

Verse 10 says:

“The L-rd came and stood there,
calling as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’
Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for Your servant is listening.’”

The verb “stood” here is the same used when G-d stood by Moses at the Red Sea. It is a word of stability.

When:

• We are in the right place,
• With a submissive heart,
• Ready to obey…

…G-d comes and brings spiritual stability into our lives. We become anchored in His will, not tossed around by fear, doubt, or the opinions of others.

As we obey, the Holy Spirit:

• Transforms us
• Edifies us
• Builds us up
• Enables us to accomplish what is pleasing to G-d

The Servant Who Listens to Obey

Samuel’s final response summarizes his entire posture:

“Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

In biblical thought, listening is never passive. The Hebrew idea of hearing includes:

• Paying attention
• Understanding
• Responding with obedience

Samuel is not saying, “I’m curious—tell me something interesting.” He is saying:

“I am listening so that I can respond properly.”

That is the key to a transformed life.

When we:

• Recognize G-d’s authority
• Desire to serve
• Listen with the intention to obey

…G-d moves powerfully in our lives. We will know the anointing of the Holy Spirit, become instruments of G-d’s purposes, and experience the joy of pleasing Him.

A Question for Us

Samuel wanted to serve.
Samuel wanted to obey.
Samuel wanted to be used by G-d.

When that describes us, our lives will not remain the same.
The question is:

Are we willing to say, with all our heart,
“Speak, L-rd, for Your servant is listening”?

Shalom from Israel.

Visit LoveIsrael.org for more Bible teachings, articles, and video messages from Dr. Baruch Korman