Lectionary Preaching Workbook
Samuel was a special gift of Yahweh to his mother, Hannah, who
was barren for many years. She went to the tabernacle and
fervently prayed for a child. If the child was a male, she
promised to give him back to the Lord. After weaning him, she
took him to Eli, the high priest, to be a servant in the temple.
Three times Samuel mistook Yahweh's call for Eli's. Upon Eli's
direction, Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
Then Yahweh disclosed to him the future of Eli and his two
scandalous sons.