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.