1. And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
2. And it came to pass one day when Eli was lain down in his place, his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;
3. and before the lamp of God was put out, Samuel was sleeping in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was;
4. and the Lord called Samuel, and he answered, Here am I.
5. And he ran unto Eli and said, Here am I, for thou didst call me. And he said, I did not call; lie down again. And he went and lay down.
6. And the Lord called Samuel yet again. And Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, Here am I, for thou didst call me. And he answered, I did not call, my son; lie down again.
7. Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, neither had the word of the Lord yet been revealed unto him.
8. And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, Here am I, for thou didst call me. Then Eli perceived that the Lord was calling the child.
9. Therefore, Eli said unto Samuel, Go, lie down, and it shall be if he calls thee, that thou shalt say, Speak, Lord, for thy slave hears. So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
10. And the Lord came and stood and called as at the other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy slave hears.
11. And the Lord said unto Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of each one that hears it shall tingle.