1. And the young Shemu’ĕl was serving יהוה before Ěli. And the word of יהוה was rare in those days – no vision breaking forth.
2. And it came to be in that day, that Ěli was lying down in his place. And his eyes had begun to grow so dim that he was unable to see,
3. And the lamp of Elohim had not gone out in the Hĕḵal of יהוה where the ark of Elohim was, and Shemu’ĕl was lying down to sleep.
4. And יהוה called Shemu’ĕl, and he answered, “Here I am!”
5. He then ran to Ěli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call – lie down again.” So he went and lay down.
6. And יהוה again called, “Shemu’ĕl!” And Shemu’ĕl arose and went to Ěli, and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he answered, “My son, I did not call – lie down again.”
7. Now Shemu’ĕl did not yet know יהוה, and the word of יהוה was not yet revealed to him.
8. And יהוה called Shemu’ĕl again the third time, and he arose and went to Ěli, and said, “Here I am, for you did call me.” Then Ěli understood that יהוה had called the youth.
9. So Ěli said to Shemu’ĕl, “Go, lie down. And it shall be, if He calls you, say, ‘Speak, יהוה, for Your servant hears.’ ” And Shemu’ĕl went and lay down in his place.