Hannah was deeply troubled because she couldn’t have children. She went to the Tabernacle and prayed, promising God that if He granted her a son, she would dedicate him to serve Him for life. Eli, the high priest, mistakenly thought she was drunk when he saw her silently praying. After she explained, he told her that the Lord would answer her prayer.

God did grant her request, and Hannah gave birth to a son named Samuel, meaning “God heard me.” When Samuel was old enough, she took him to the Tabernacle and dedicated him to the Lord. Each year, she visited and brought him new clothes. In response to her faithfulness, God blessed her with three more sons and two daughters.

As Samuel grew in the Tabernacle, he gained Favor with both the Lord and people, unlike Eli’s wicked sons, who dishonoured God. One night, while Samuel was sleeping, the Lord called him. Confused, Samuel ran to Eli, thinking he was being summoned. Eli sent him back to bed, but this happened three times.

Finally, Eli realized the Lord was calling Samuel and instructed him to respond, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” When the Lord spoke, He revealed His displeasure with Eli’s sons and His intent to judge them.

The next morning, Eli asked Samuel what God had said. Though afraid, Samuel shared the message. Eli accepted God’s judgment, saying, “He’s Lord! Let Him do what is good in His eyes.” From that day on, the Lord was with Samuel, revealing His words to him. Samuel obeyed God, and all of Israel recognized him as a prophet.