Is it possible to serve God before you know him?
Have you ever thought about that possibility?
Last week, we studied the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1.
Hannah was childless and being tormented by her husband’s second wife because she was unable to have children.
As Hannah’s narrative unfolded, we learned she vowed to God that if he would bless her with a son, she would give that son back to him.
Today, we step into the story after Hannah has fulfilled her vow to learn more about this child called Samuel and, of course, God.
Samuel’s story presents us with an interesting contrast. Although he was already ministering to the Lord, the Lord had not yet revealed His word to him. He was serving in God’s house, but he had not yet experienced the personal encounter that would change the course of his life.
As we study this passage, consider what Samuel’s experience teaches us about serving God, recognizing His voice, and responding when He calls.
Serving God Before You Know Him
A Study of 1 Samuel 3:1-10 | The Passage
3 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. [i]
What is Samuel doing in this verse?
Who is Eli? (See 1 Samuel 1:9.)
Describe the spiritual reality in those days.
2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place.[ii]
What physical condition of Eli is described in this verse?
Why do you think the author included this detail about Eli?
Where is Eli lying down?
3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. [iii]
What instructions had God given concerning the lamp in the tabernacle? (See Exodus 27:20-21.)
How does the statement about the lamp of God relate to verses one and two?
Explain the contrast between where Eli and Samuel are each lying down.
4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and [Samuel] ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. [iv]
Who called Samuel?
What was Samuel’s response?
How did Eli respond?
6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. [v]
What additional facts about the boy Samuel have come to light now?
Does this mean Samuel didn’t know anything about the Lord yet? Why or why not?
Why is this important to know?
8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [vi]
What do verses 1-2 reveal about the spiritual environment in which Eli and Samuel were living? How might this contribute to our understanding of Eli’s delayed recognition?
10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”[vii]
What additional action did the Lord take this time?
How did Samuel respond?
Serving God Before You Know Him
A Study of 1 Samuel 3:1-10 | Application questions
3 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the Lord in the presence of Eli. And the word of the Lord was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision. [viii]
How would you describe the spiritual state of the culture in which you live today? What similarities or differences do you see between your culture and the time of Samuel and Eli?
2 At that time Eli, whose eyesight had begun to grow dim so that he could not see, was lying down in his own place.[ix]
Where in your life do you feel that your spiritual vision is unclear?
Write a prayer for clarity in this area.
3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was. [x]
How does this verse give you hope?
4 Then the Lord called Samuel, and he said, “Here I am!” 5 and [Samuel] ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call; lie down again.” So he went and lay down. [xi]
6 And the Lord called again, “Samuel!” and Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. [xii]
Like Samuel, how were you already involved in serving God before he revealed himself to you?
8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the boy. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if he calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.’ ” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. [xiii]
List anyone who has helped you perceive the Lord’s calling in your life. How can you thank them today?
Considering what happens in verses 8-9, what significance might Eli’s physical condition have in this narrative?
10 And the Lord came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”[xiv]
How does Samuel’s behavior in this passage help you respond to God today?
Serving God Before You Know Him
A Study of 1 Samuel 3:1-10 | A Prayer Response
Heavenly Father, most holy one. Thank you for showing us through the life of Samuel that it is possible to serve you even before you reveal yourself to us.
Enable us to hear your calling our names through our study of Scripture and the work of the Holy Spirit today. Help us respond quickly to your invitation for relationship.
Thank you to those who prayed for us before you called us into relationship with You. Provide us with opportunities to thank them in person if they are still present on this earth.
Thank you for those you provide to help us recognize your calling voice. We pray in turn for them to remain faithful in serving you as well.
Most of all, Heavenly Father, thank you for enabling us to serve you even before we know you. This is truly an amazing aspect of your intention for our lives. Amen.
What words do you have to pray after this study?
Share them on social media or in the comments below to encourage others.
Warmly,
Barbara Lynn
[i] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:1.
[ii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:2.
[iii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:3.
[iv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:4-5.
[v] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:6-7.
[vi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:8-9.
[vii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:10.
[viii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:1.
[ix] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:2.
[x] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:3.
[xi] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:4-5.
[xii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:6-7.
[xiii] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:8-9.
[xiv] The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2025), 1 Sa 3:10.