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Samuel Hears God

Bible passage: 1 Samuel 3 · Ages 3 to 5 · Old Testament

Paraphrase Samuel was a boy who helped in God’s house. At night, he slept in a quiet room.

Paraphrase In the dark, a voice called, Samuel! Samuel!

Paraphrase Samuel ran to old Eli. Here I am! Eli said, I did not call you. Go back to bed.

Paraphrase It happened again. And again. Then Eli said, It must be God. If it calls, say, Speak, I am listening.

Paraphrase Samuel went back to bed. The voice called once more. Speak, said Samuel. I am listening.

Paraphrase Samuel listened to God all his life, and he grew up to be a wise helper.

From the Bible (King James Version)

Speak; for thy servant heareth.
1 Samuel 3:10 (KJV, excerpt)

Let us wonder

What do you hear when you are very quiet?

One small thing to do

Sit quietly for one minute and listen. What do you hear?

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Retold in simple words (a paraphrase), so it is not the Bible’s own text. The read-aloud voice is computer-made. Jesus is never shown with a face. Nothing you do here is saved or sent anywhere.

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