The first book of Samuel opens with a barren wife and a heartfelt prayer for a son. Upon vowing to the LORD to loan her son to him all the days of his life, He remembers her at the time appointed, and she conceives and bares the child, Samuel. She keeps her vow and after weening the child, she presents him to Eli the priest, and he begins his new life in the service of the LORD. The sad state of the priesthood is soon revealed by the slack hand of Eli, and the bullying, froward attitude of his sons, for which a man of God confronts Eli and prophesies against him and his house. Samuel, however, grows and ministers before the LORD faithfully even as a child, completely unaware of what the LORD has in store for him.

Into/Outro music: "Unexpectedly" (c) 1995 Alex Grant Used by permission