1 Samuel 3:1-21

Boy Samuel Hears God Bible lesson for kids

A complete Boy Samuel Hears God lesson plan for Sunday school or homeschool — one version for each age band, from preschool to preteen. Pick the section that matches your kids and teach.

Jump to Ages 4–6Jump to Ages 6–9Jump to Ages 9–12

Preschool & Kindergarten

Ages 4–6

Objective

Children will know that God spoke to young Samuel and practice becoming quiet and ready to listen.

Opening question

What sounds can you hear when everyone becomes very quiet?

Tell the story

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21 together. Young Samuel helped Eli at God’s house and slept there at night. When God called his name, Samuel ran to Eli three times because he thought Eli was calling. Eli taught Samuel to listen, and Samuel answered, “Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.”

Hands-on activities

Color and Listen

Materials: our free printable coloring page, crayons

  1. Color our free printable coloring page.
  2. Point to Samuel, Eli, and the lamp.
  3. Cover your eyes while an adult softly says your name.
  4. Open your eyes and say, “I am listening.”
  5. Draw an ear beside Samuel as a reminder to listen.

Samuel Runs to Eli

Materials: two pillows or folded towels

  1. Place the pillows on opposite sides of the room.
  2. Lie beside one pillow like Samuel.
  3. Ask an adult to call, “Samuel!”
  4. Run to the other pillow and pretend to speak with Eli.
  5. Repeat the trip three times.
  6. Lie down again and cup your hands around your ears.
  7. Say, “Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.”

Talk about it

  1. Why did Samuel keep running to Eli?
  2. How did Eli help Samuel understand who was calling?
  3. When can we become quiet and listen to God’s words in the Bible?

Closing prayer

God, help us become quiet, listen, and willingly obey you.

Early Elementary

Ages 6–9

Objective

Children will explain how Eli helped Samuel recognize God’s call and identify wise ways to listen to God today.

Opening question

How can you recognize a familiar voice when you cannot see the speaker?

Tell the story

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21 together. While Samuel served with Eli at Shiloh, God called Samuel during the night three times, but Samuel thought Eli had called him. Eli finally understood and taught Samuel to answer, “Speak, Yahweh; for your servant hears.” God gave Samuel a serious message, Samuel honestly told Eli everything the next morning, and all Israel eventually recognized Samuel as God’s prophet.

Hands-on activities

Comic Listening Bubbles

Materials: our free printable coloring page, crayons or colored pencils, pencil

  1. Color our free printable coloring page.
  2. Find Samuel’s listening face and Eli’s teaching face.
  3. Write “Samuel!” near the caller.
  4. Write Samuel’s answer in a speech bubble.
  5. Circle details that show the story happens at night.
  6. Share one way Eli helped Samuel.

Whose Voice Game

Materials: three small pieces of paper, pencil, bowl

  1. Write Samuel, Eli, and narrator on the papers.
  2. Place the papers in a bowl.
  3. Choose roles and act out the nighttime calls.
  4. Switch roles so several children can be Samuel.
  5. Pause before Samuel’s final answer.
  6. Cup your hands around your ears and say the answer together.
  7. Discuss why advice from a wise adult was useful.

Talk about it

  1. Why did Samuel misunderstand the voice at first?
  2. What did Samuel do when God gave him a difficult message?
  3. Who can help you understand whether an idea agrees with the Bible?

Closing prayer

God, help us listen to your Word and learn from wise helpers.

Upper Elementary & Preteen

Ages 9–12

Objective

Children will examine Samuel’s willing response and practice testing guidance through Scripture and trustworthy Christian mentors.

Opening question

What helps you decide whether a message or piece of advice should be trusted?

Tell the story

Read 1 Samuel 3:1-21 together. God’s word was rare when young Samuel heard his name called at night, and three times he assumed that Eli needed him. Eli recognized what was happening and taught Samuel how to respond as a listening servant. God entrusted Samuel with a painful message about judgment on Eli’s household; although afraid, Samuel reported it honestly, and he grew into a prophet recognized throughout Israel.

Hands-on activities

Color-Coded Story Study

Materials: our free printable coloring page, colored pencils, pencil

  1. Study our free printable coloring page before coloring it.
  2. Use one color for details showing listening.
  3. Use another color for details showing guidance.
  4. Add a small speech bubble with Samuel’s answer.
  5. Write courage beside a detail that reminds you of Samuel’s honesty.
  6. Explain your color choices to a partner.

Test the Message

Materials: six small pieces of paper, pencils, bowl

  1. Write everyday choices about school, friends, online behavior, or family on the papers.
  2. Fold the papers and place them in a bowl.
  3. Draw one situation at a time.
  4. Ask whether the choice agrees with Scripture and God’s character.
  5. Name a trustworthy Christian adult who could offer guidance.
  6. Suggest a loving and honest response.
  7. Clarify that our feelings should be tested rather than automatically treated as God’s voice.

Talk about it

  1. Why might God’s message have been difficult for both Samuel and Eli?
  2. What courage did Samuel show when he told Eli everything?
  3. How can Scripture and wise mentors help us evaluate what we think God may be saying?

Closing prayer

God, help us listen humbly, test wisely, and speak truth courageously.

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