Samuel the Prophet
A boy called by the Lord
For a long time, the Israelites
did not have a prophet of the Lord to lead them.
Instead, judges ruled in Israel
for many years.
During this time, Hannah brought
her young son Samuel to live with
Eli, the priest and judge of
Israel.
Samuel helped Eli in the temple.
Eli’s two sons also served in the
temple, but they stole the offerings meant for the Lord.
Some people complained to Eli, but
Eli did not punish them.
One evening Samuel heard a voice
call him.
He thought it was Eli, so Samuel
went to him.
But Eli did not call him.
Eli told Samuel to go back to bed.
Samuel heard the voice call him a
second time.
He went to Eli and asked what he
wanted.
But Eli did not call him.
Eli told Samuel to go to bed.
Samuel heard the voice call him a
third time.
He went to Eli again and asked
what he wanted.
This time, Eli knew it was the
Lord who was speaking to Samuel.
Eli told Samuel to go back to bed.
Eli said if the Lord called again,
Samuel should listen.
Samuel heard the voice call him
again.
This time Samuel asked the Lord to
speak and said he would listen.
The Lord told Samuel it was wrong
for Eli to let his wicked sons serve in the temple.
Eli’s family would not be allowed
to serve there anymore.
The next day, Eli asked Samuel
what the Lord said.
Samuel told him.
Eli knew the Lord spoke through
Samuel.
The news went throughout the land
of Israel.
The people knew that the Lord
chose Samuel to be His prophet.