In the book of 1 Samuel 3, we witness one of the most iconic moments in the Old Testament—the calling of Samuel. This chapter is a powerful reminder of how God speaks, even amidst spiritual silence, and how important it is to listen. The story begins with Samuel, a young boy dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, as seen in chapters 1 and 2. Hannah had prayed fervently for a child, and when God answered her prayer, she followed through on her promise to dedicate Samuel to the service of the Lord. This young boy was ministering to God under the guidance of Eli, the high priest, but in a time when revelations from God were rare.

Samuel’s life takes a pivotal turn when God begins to call him personally. The passage highlights that although Samuel ministered before the Lord, he did not yet know Him. The spiritual famine during this period was marked by a lack of widespread revelation, a time when the word of the Lord was rare. Eli, now old with dimmed eyesight, could no longer see clearly, both physically and spiritually. Similarly, the people of Israel were in a state of spiritual decline, struggling to hear God’s voice. Despite having the law and the priests, Israel lacked a genuine connection to God.

The turning point comes when Samuel hears his name being called in the night. Mistakenly, he believes it is Eli who calls him, and this happens three times. Each time, Samuel runs to Eli, only to be told to return to bed. The third time, Eli finally perceives that it is the Lord calling Samuel and instructs him to respond by saying, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.” This marks the beginning of Samuel’s prophetic ministry, a role in which he would eventually become a pivotal figure in Israel’s spiritual leadership.

This passage also offers a profound reflection on the difference between serving God and knowing God. Samuel had been serving in the tabernacle but had not yet encountered God personally. Many today, like Samuel, can grow up in the church, serve in ministry, and even read the Bible daily, yet still not truly know the Lord. Jesus’ words in John 10:3 echo this reality: “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Knowing God’s voice is essential to a genuine relationship with Him, but often we are distracted by the busyness of life or even ministry itself. The story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10:40-42 serves as a reminder that sometimes we are so busy serving that we fail to take the time to sit quietly at the feet of Jesus and listen.

In Samuel’s case, it was during the quiet of the night that God’s voice broke through. Eli instructed him to go back and listen, which is a powerful lesson for us today. Often, we are too consumed with our own agendas, even in ministry, that we forget to make room for God to speak. This is why Samuel’s obedience and willingness to listen are so significant. After hearing from God, Samuel learns that severe judgment is coming for the house of Eli. The phrase “tingling ears” in 1 Samuel 3:11 is used to describe the shock of the judgment God is about to bring. It is a term also found in 2 Kings 21:12 and Jeremiah 19:3, signaling impending disaster.

Samuel’s prophecy is not a new revelation but a confirmation of what God had already spoken to Eli in 1 Samuel 2:27-36. Eli’s sons had defiled the priesthood through greed and sexual immorality, and Eli had failed to restrain them. The judgment would be severe, and Eli’s house would suffer for their iniquity. Samuel was fearful to deliver this message to Eli, yet he faithfully shared everything God had told him. Eli’s response, “It is the LORD. Let Him do what seems good to Him,” reflects his acceptance of the judgment, though it stands in stark contrast to the repentance David would later show when confronted with his own sin (Psalm 51).

The chapter concludes with Samuel being established as a prophet of the Lord. Verse 19 emphasizes that none of Samuel’s words fell to the ground—an indication of God’s endorsement of his prophetic ministry. Samuel’s rise as a prophet was not due to self-promotion or ambition but was a direct result of God’s anointing. God revealed Himself to Samuel, just as He does to us today through His Word and the Holy Spirit. While the early church experienced signs and wonders, God now calls us to walk by faith, not by sight, trusting in His Word above all else.

This sermon, “Hearing God Amidst the Noise,” delivered by Pastor Allen Victor at Calvary Chapel West Jacksonville, urges believers to set aside time to listen to God’s voice. As we learn from Samuel’s life, it’s not enough to serve in ministry; we must also cultivate a personal relationship with the Lord, knowing His voice and following His lead.

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