I Samuel 3:1-9, 19-20; 7:3-5, 10, 12

The text before us records the calling of Samuel (Chapter 3) and the beginning of his ministry (Chapter 7). The two events took place a little over three thousand years ago and are separated by approximately 22 or 23 years. At the time of Samuel’s calling, Israel had dwelt in the land which God had promised to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and their heirs for three hundred years.…