Young Samuel experiences his first prophetic call during a time when "the word of the Lord was rare." God calls Samuel three times during the night, with the boy initially mistaking the voice for Eli's. When Eli realizes God is speaking, he instructs Samuel to respond, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening"—words that become a model for spiritual receptivity. The Lord then reveals His coming judgment against Eli's family, information Samuel reluctantly shares with Eli the next morning. The chapter concludes by establishing Samuel as a recognized prophet throughout Israel whose words reliably came to pass. This narrative demonstrates how God initiates relationship with those He calls and often entrusts difficult messages to those willing to listen and speak truth.