1 Samuel 2–3 · Listen
Samuel and Eli
An old priest who had stopped acting on what he heard, and the boy he taught to listen.
The story
Eli was the priest at Shiloh, and his sons were corrupt. They took what was not theirs and abused their position. Eli heard the reports and spoke to them, but he did not stop them.
A boy named Samuel served in the sanctuary under Eli. The text says that “the word of the LORD was rare in those days” (1 Sam. 3:1).
One night Samuel heard his name called. He ran to Eli three times, thinking the old man had called. The third time, Eli understood what was happening and taught the boy what to say.
“Speak, LORD, for your servant hears.”1 Samuel 3:9
The message Samuel received was judgment on Eli’s house, because “his sons were blaspheming God, and he did not restrain them” (1 Sam. 3:13). In the morning Samuel was afraid to tell him. Eli insisted on hearing everything. When he had heard, he said, “It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him.”
What the story teaches
Hearing without acting is not listening. Eli knew what his sons were doing. He had the reports and the authority. He did nothing that changed anything.
Listening has to be taught. Samuel did not recognize the voice. He needed someone to tell him what he was hearing and how to respond. New leaders need the same.
A flawed leader can still develop a good one. Eli failed with his own sons and succeeded with Samuel. His one clear instruction shaped the next generation.
The hardest listening is upward. Samuel had to carry bad news to the person he served. He was afraid, and he told the truth anyway.
Eli asked for all of the truth. “Do not hide it from me.” Whatever his other failures, he did not punish the messenger.
Samuel became someone people listened to. As he grew, the LORD “let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Sam. 3:19). People who learn to listen are the ones later worth hearing.
Try this week
- List what you have heard about your team in the last month and done nothing about. Act on one item.
- Teach one newer leader how you decide what deserves attention.
- Ask someone junior, “What have you been afraid to tell me?” Thank that person for the answer.
Read the ROAR issue Four checks before you give advice, or print The Four Checks.
Sources
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2001.
Passages studied: 1 Samuel 2:12–36; 3:1–21.
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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