A Voice in the Night -- 1 Samuel 3
When Samuel was a little boy, Hannah brought him to live at the tabernacle. She had promised God that Samuel would serve him all his life. The priest Eli would now take care of Samuel. He would teach Samuel about God.
One night while Samuel was sleeping, he heard a voice say, “Samuel!” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am .” But Eli said, “I did not call you.” Then Samuel went back to bed.
Samuel heard a voice call his name two more times. Each time, Samuel ran to Eli. Finally, Eli told Samuel, “I think God is speaking to you. Next time, say, “Yes, Lord, I am listening.” Then Samuel went back to bed.
“Samuel! Samuel! the voice said again. This time, Samuel answered, “Yes, Lord, I am listening.” From that moment on, Samuel gave messages to God’s people. He was a special prophet of God.
Discussion Questions
- Where did Hannah take Samuel Tabernancle
- What is a Tabernacle? It is a church
- Why did she take him there? The priest Eli was going to teach Samuel about God.
- Samuel heard a voice in the night. Who was it? God
- What did Samuel do after realizing who was speaking to him? He gave special messages to God’s people.
Prayer
Dear God,
Thank you for the story of Samuel. It is a great lesson on listening to you God. We pray we are obedient to You and our parents. Amen
Memory Verses
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your strength.” Deuteronomy 6:5
Bible Story Rhyme
Samuel, Samuel slept one night,
(Lay titled head on hands as if sleeping)
In the temple; that’s alright.
(Make the “O.K.” sign)
Awakened by the Lord’s own voice,
(Place fists next to eyes and open fingers)
Helping God was Samuel’s choice.
(Point to heaven)
Craft / Activity: Cup Phones
Materials Needed: Disposable Plastic Cups, String (not yarn), Small Paper Clips, and Ball Point Pens
Directions
1. Pass out two disposable plastic party cups to each student.
2. Poke a hole in the bottom of each cup with a ball point pen.
3. Cut a 10 foot piece of string for each student.
4. Slip the piece of string through the bottom of each cup.
5. Tie a paper clip to each end of the string.
6. Pull cups away from one another slowly until there is a bit of tension on the string.
7. Allow students to take turns talking into their “cup phones”.
For Discussion
As students are assembling their “cup phones”, remind them that we should listen to the Lord too. Though the Lord may never choose to speak audibly to us, he does speak to us through his word. Encourage students to “listen” to the Lord by reading the Bible.
