Lesson 83

1 Samuel 3

Prepare to Learn

Prepare your mind and heart to be taught by the Holy Ghost. The Spirit will teach you as you wisely exercise your agency and make an effort to learn.

Begin your study with prayer.

Have you ever needed advice and wondered who you should go to?

We live in a world where there are many sources that promote many different ideas. It’s easy to become confused by these voices and not know which ones to follow.

President James E. Faust (1920–2007) of the First Presidency described a source you can depend on for guidance and direction. As you watch this video, consider how this source differs from other sources that seek our attention.

Whose Voice Is It?

Have you ever answered the phone and immediately recognized the caller’s voice? Have there been times when you have struggled to recognize the caller’s voice? Why are you sometimes able to recognize someone’s voice but can’t do so at other times?

Just as it takes time to learn to recognize the voices of our friends and family, it takes time to learn to recognize the voice of the Lord.

As you study 1 Samuel 3, look for a principle that can help you recognize the voice of the Lord in your life.

Something Rare

Remember that in 1 Samuel 1–2 you learned that Hannah brought her son Samuel to Eli, the high priest, to serve in the tabernacle. During this time in Israel’s history, there was something that was precious, meaning that it was rare, or scarce.

Read 1 Samuel 3:1 to find out what was precious.

What can we learn from this verse about the people’s spiritual condition at this time?

What Happened?

Read 1 Samuel 3:2–10. You can also watch the video “Samuel and Eli” (1:58), which shares this account of what happened one night in the tabernacle. This video is available on LDS.org.

Read 1 Samuel 3:2–10. You can also watch the video “Samuel and Eli” (1:58), which shares this account of what happened one night in the tabernacle. This video is available on LDS.org.

What happened on this occasion?

Eli’s Counsel

Read 1 Samuel 3:7. Why did Samuel not recognize the Lord’s voice at first?

Even though the Lord was displeased with Eli for allowing the iniquity in his household to continue without correction, Eli was able to give Samuel guidance and instruction in preparation for his calling as a prophet.

According to 1 Samuel 3:8–9, what did Eli counsel Samuel to do if he heard the voice again?

The Lord’s Voice

One principle we can identify from 1 Samuel 3:2–10 is that if we are willing and receptive, we can grow in our ability to recognize the voice of the Lord. The Lord can communicate with us in many ways, including through visions, speech, dreams, and sometimes appearances. Most often we hear His voice through His prophets, the scriptures, and the Holy Ghost as impressions, thoughts, and ideas (see John 16:13–15).

1. Read 1 Nephi 17:45; Alma 5:57; and Doctrine and Covenants 8:2–3; 11:12–13, and answer the following questions:

• According to 1 Nephi 17:45, what can prevent you from recognizing the Lord’s voice?

• According to Alma 5:57, what do you need to do to follow the Lord’s voice?

• How can you recognize when the Lord speaks to you through the Spirit?

A Gentle Feeling

President Boyd K. Packer (1924–2015) of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles described one way the Lord communicates with us through His Spirit:

“The Spirit does not get our attention by shouting or shaking us with a heavy hand. Rather it whispers. It caresses so gently that if we are preoccupied we may not feel it at all. …

“Occasionally it will press just firmly enough for us to pay heed. But most of the time, if we do not heed the gentle feeling, the Spirit will withdraw and wait until we come seeking and listening” (Boyd K. Packer, “The Candle of the Lord,” Ensign, Jan. 1983, 53).

2. What does it mean to “pay heed”? What are some preoccupations or distractions that may keep us from “pay[ing] heed” and deter us from hearing and recognizing the gentle whisper of the Lord’s voice?

Impressions on the Soul

Quiet spiritual promptings may not seem as spectacular as visions or angelic visitations, but they can be just as powerful and life changing. The witness of the Holy Ghost can make an impression on the soul that is more meaningful than anything we can see or hear.

3. Share an experience in which you or someone you know recognized and followed the voice of the Lord. Be sure to not share anything that is too personal or sacred.

As you record the experience, consider what you will do to recognize and follow the Lord’s voice.

The Lord’s Displeasure

In 1 Samuel 3:11–18 we read that Samuel learned that the Lord was displeased with Eli for allowing the iniquity in his household to continue without correction. Samuel was afraid to tell Eli what he had learned. When Eli urged him, Samuel “hid nothing from him” (1 Samuel 3:18).

What are some possible reasons why the Lord spoke to Samuel and not to Eli?

Samuel, a Prophet of God

Read 1 Samuel 3:19–21, looking for phrases that indicate that the Lord was supporting Samuel as a prophet.

It may be helpful to know that the phrase “from Dan even to Beer-sheba” (verse 20) was a way of saying “the whole country,” because Dan was located in the northern part of Israel’s boundaries and Beersheba was located in the southern part.

An Important Truth

The following truth was identified in this lesson:

• If we are willing and receptive, we can grow in our ability to recognize the voice of the Lord.

As part of this lesson, you considered what you can do to recognize the Lord’s voice in your life so you can follow it. Listen carefully for the voice of the Lord today and tomorrow. When you feel that you hear the Lord’s voice, write down what you feel or are impressed to do on a piece of paper or record it on a digital device that you carry with you.