Eli's Advice

Eli, the aged priest of Israel, sits beside the young Samuel within the curtained sanctuary, placing a steady hand on the boy as he instructs him to listen for the voice of the Lord. The parted red curtains frame the intimate moment after Samuel has repeatedly heard his name called in the night and run to Eli, not yet discerning that God was speaking to him. Eli’s raised finger and Samuel’s attentive posture capture the lesson at the heart of 1 Samuel 3: spiritual maturity begins with humble listening and obedient response. The scene is well suited for teaching on calling, mentorship, priestly service, children hearing God’s Word, and the faithful counsel, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”