This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in 1 Samuel 3, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.
Once upon a time, there was a boy named Samuel who lived in the temple with his teacher, Eli. Samuel helped Eli by doing small jobs in the temple, like lighting the lamps and sweeping the floors.
One night, when Samuel was sleeping in the temple, he heard a voice calling his name. He thought it was Eli, so he ran to him and said, “Here I am! You called me?” But Eli said he didn’t call him and told him to go back to sleep.
This happened two more times, and each time, Samuel ran to Eli thinking he had called him. But Eli knew that it was not him calling Samuel, and he realized that it was God who was calling Samuel.
So Eli told Samuel to go back to bed, but if he heard the voice again, he should say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” And that’s exactly what Samuel did.
God spoke to Samuel and told him some important things. God said that Eli’s sons had been doing bad things, and Eli had not stopped them. Because of that, God was going to punish Eli and his family.
The next morning, Samuel was scared to tell Eli what he had heard, but Eli insisted that he tell him everything. Samuel did, and Eli accepted what God had planned.
As Samuel grew up, he became a great prophet and helped the people of Israel. And everyone knew that God was with him.
Biblical Lessons
- Even young people can be used by God for great things.
- God is just and punishes wrongdoing, but also forgives those who repent.
- We should seek guidance from wise and experienced people, like Eli was for Samuel.
- We should be obedient to God’s will, even if it may be difficult or uncomfortable.
- It’s important to be honest and truthful, even when it’s hard.
Related Stories
Must-Read Christian Books
The Cost of Discipleship
A penetrating look at Jesus' call to follow Him, contrasting cheap grace with true, costly discipleship.
View on Amazon
The Pilgrim's Progress
A classic allegory of the Christian journey from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City, saturated with Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Holiness of God
Sproul unfolds the blazing holiness of God and why a right fear of the Lord is vital to true worship.
View on Amazon
Systematic Theology
A classic Reformed theology text, rich in biblical exegesis and doctrinal clarity.
View on Amazon
The Enemy Within
A modern, accessible summary of John Owen's teaching on indwelling sin and the believer's battle.
View on Amazon
Overcoming Sin and Temptation
A classic Puritan work on mortifying sin and living in the power of the Spirit.
View on Amazon
Don't Waste Your Life
A passionate plea to live for Christ's glory rather than trivial pursuits.
View on Amazon
God's Big Picture
Traces the storyline of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation in a clear, Christ-centered way.
View on Amazon
The Sovereignty of God
A strong, Scripture-based defense of God's absolute rule over all things.
View on Amazon
All of Grace
A simple, powerful explanation of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone.
View on Amazon
The Bondage of the Will
Luther's classic defense of the Bible's teaching on human sin and God's sovereign grace.
View on Amazon
Christ-Centered Preaching
A standard textbook on preaching that shows how to proclaim Christ from all of Scripture.
View on Amazon
The Universe Next Door
Surveys competing worldviews and contrasts them with the Christian view of reality.
View on Amazon
Christ of the Covenants
Explains the biblical covenants and how they reveal Christ and God's plan of redemption.
View on Amazon
Religious Affections
Examines the nature of true spiritual experience and the marks of genuine conversion.
View on Amazon
Operation World
A prayer handbook with up-to-date information on nations and their gospel needs.
View on Amazon
Family Worship
A short, practical guide to leading your home in daily worship of God.
View on Amazon