1Now the young Samuel was the servant of the Lord before Eli. In those days the Lord kept his word secret from men; there was no open vision.
2And at that time, when Eli was resting in his place, (now his eyes were becoming clouded so that he was not able to see,)
3And the light of God was still burning, while Samuel was sleeping in the Temple of the Lord where the ark of God was,
4The voice of the Lord said Samuel's name; and he said, Here am I.
5And running to Eli he said, Here am I, for you said my name. And Eli said, I did not say your name; go to your rest again. So he went back to his bed.
6And again the Lord said, Samuel. And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, Here am I; for you certainly said my name. But he said in answer, I said nothing, my son; go to your rest again.
7Now at that time Samuel had no knowledge of the Lord, and the revelation of the word of the Lord had not come to him.