So he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” And he went and lay down. Then the LORD called yet again, “Samuel!” So Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” He answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” (Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, nor was the word of the LORD yet revealed to him.) And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. So he arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Eli perceived that the LORD had called the boy. Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down; and it shall be, if He calls you, that you must say, ‘Speak, LORD, for Your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. (vv.5-9)
Samuel was a godly and obedient boy, serving God wonderfully. He was wrong in thinking Eli spoke to him, but he was right in what he did. Samuel came to Eli quickly because he knew Eli was blind and might need help. When speaking to us, God almost always confirms His word again and again. It is generally wrong to do something dramatic in response to a single “inner voice” from the LORD. If God speaks He will confirm, and often in a variety of ways.
Eli then gives Samuel wise counsel. Eli told Samuel to; Make himself available for God to speak (Go, lie down), and not be presumptuous about God speaking (if He calls you). Respond to the word of God (Speak, LORD), and to humble himself before God and His word (Your servant hears). Therefore, when the Lord called Samuel again, he responded, “Speak, for Your servant hears” (vv. 9-10).
The word that Samuel received from God wasn't cheery. Understandably, Samuel was reluctant to repeat the message to Eli, but, he honestly recounted the word of the Lord even though it contained the prophecy of the destruction of Eli's family, as judgment for their sin.
We too must be willing to obey and respond to whatever God calls us to say. Even if the truth the LORD gives us, is painful to proclaim. Therefore, speak the truth in love but do not hold back truth.
The Truth: “He who speaks truth declares righteousness, But a false witness, deceit.” (Proverbs 12:17)
