In this well-known story, we usually focus on the character of Samuel, and his willingness to listen to the word of the Lord. And we often draw the correct application that we should follow his example, that we should also be open to hearing and spreading God’s word. But there is much more going on here.

For if we were to read on a few more verses, we would discover that the particular message God had for Samuel wasn’t a word of blessing, but a word of judgment. In fact, God simply repeated to Samuel the condemnation that another prophet had brought to Eli at the end of chapter 2. In other words, the reason God had to speak to Samuel was because Eli had not in fact done what he counseled Samuel to do – to listen to the word of the Lord.

So, what had Eli done that was so bad? He was the high priest, the religious leader of God’s people. But when he became old, his sons, who were also priests, began to abuse their power, taking more than their prescribed share of the offerings people brought to the Tabernacle. Eli refused to restrain them from their wicked ways, so God said He would bring judgment on Eli’s whole family.

So, if we find in Samuel a positive example of someone who hears and obeys God’s word, we find in Eli a negative example of the same thing. But if we resolve, along with Samuel, really to listen to what God has to say to us in His Word, we should not be surprised if God calls our sin to our attention, if God calls us to make some changes, to bring our lives more into line with God’s will. Sometimes, we need to listen to that part of God’s Word too.

I Samuel 3:1-9 (KJV)
And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
3 And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;
4 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I.
5 And he ran unto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou calledst me. And he said, I called not; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6 And the LORD called yet again, Samuel. And Samuel arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And he answered, I called not, my son; lie down again.
7 Now Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him.
8 And the LORD called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou didst call me. And Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child.
9 Therefore Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down: and it shall be, if he call thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, LORD; for thy servant heareth. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.