This lesson on Samuel listens to God is the first of a 9 part series of “Children in the Bible.” The purpose is to give our children heroes closer to their age they can see living for God. Boys and girls who are brave, bold, and full of faith because they trust God is with them.

These lessons are designed for you the parent to read, learn, and communicate to your child. It’s important that they hear Biblical knowledge and understanding straight from their parents and not just church leaders.

Samuel Character Background

Samuel was born during the Judges Era in Israel’s history, when, the Bible tells us, “everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” (Judges 17:6 NKJV) It was a time of lawlessness and fear and Israel was caught up in a sin/punishment cycle.

Samson’s father was Elkanah and his mother was named Hannah. One important thing to note is that Samuel”s mother, Hannah, had previously been barren. When we see a barren woman’s womb being opened in the scriptures, we know that her offspring is important as was the case with Isaac, Samson, and John the Baptist.

Samuel’s mother had promised God if she were given a male child, she would dedicate him back to the Lord. She was faithful to her promise. At the age of weaning, most likely around 3-5 years old most scholar’s believe, he was taken to live at the temple along with the other priests.

Eli, the priest, had two very wicked sons. Eli did not seem to share in their debauchery, but also did nothing about it. So, Samuel is not only living in an evil land, but also in a temple where God is not being honored. What a scary and unstable place for a young child to grow up!

The Story of the Child Samuel in the Bible

The first 25 chapters of 1 Samuel are an account of the life of this great prophet of God. For the sake of focusing on the boy Samuel, this lesson is from 1 Samuel 3.

Key Verse: The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 NIV

Lessons to Take Away from “When Samuel Listens to God”:

Teaching our children to listen to God’s voice and obey is one of the foundational responsibilities as a Christian parent. The enemy is a liar and the world is loud. We must teach them to listen and know the wisdom of God and that following His voice is always right even if it isn’t easy or popular.

1. God speaks to children as well as adults.

God chose Samuel to be His prophet to speak to the people. God still chooses boys and girls today to be His voice. He speaks through the Bible, adults we trust, and through the Holy Spirit.

2. We can learn to listen and recognize God’s voice.

God’s voice is always the one that tells us to do the right thing. It never goes against the Bible. We hear His voice when we spend time reading scripture, meditating on His Word, and praying. The more time we spend with God, the easier it is to recognize His voice. 

3. Sometimes God’s message is hard to hear, but it is always true.

Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what God had told him. Wouldn’t you be? How do you tell your mentor that God is going to judge and kill him and his family?

This was not an easy message from God, but Samuel was bold and faithful to share the message. The message of salvation through Jesus alone is not always an easy message to share. Not many people want to hear they are sinners and will die someday to be judged by God. However, it’s true and God calls us to share the gospel.

Truths to Take Away about God:

• God is always speaking; we just have to listen.
• God is patient with us. (He called Samuel until he responded.)
• God judges sin.
• God wants to use obedient and faithful people.

Questions to Consider:

• What was special about the boy Samuel before he was even born?
• Who did Samuel think had called him?
• How many times did God speak to Samuel before Eli helped him understand?
• What message did God give to Samuel?
• How did Samuel feel about the message?
• How can you better listen for the voice of God?

More Scriptures on Listening to God:

• My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27 NKJV
• A wise man will hear and increase learning, And a man of understanding will attain wise counsel. Proverbs 1:5 NKJV
• Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Proverbs 8:32 NKJV
• Now therefore, listen to me, my children, For blessed are those who keep my ways. Luke 11:28 NKJV
• Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock. Matthew 7:24 NKJV

Extra Resources to Reinforce the Lesson:

These are some resources from around the web that will allow you to make this lesson a focus for as many days as you’d like. Depending on your child’s age, all of them may not work for you. The games and object lessons are definitely good for any age while the others may be more suitable for preschool and elementary.

Craft: Cute craft for those who learn with hands on.

Sunday School Craft for Samuel Listens to God

Game: This link has several games on the theme: God calls your name.

https://sermons4kids.com/when_god_calls_your_name_group_activities.htm

Object Lesson: Uses headphones to illustrate the importance of listening to God.

https://ministryark.com/lesson/5-headphones-object-lessons/

Song: Fun song about the life of Samuel.

Video Lesson: Short 2 minute video for younger kids to reinforce Bible reading.