The Lord Calls Samuel

3 The boy Samuel ministered^(A) before the Lord under Eli. In those days the word of the Lord was rare;^(B) there were not many visions.^(C)

³ For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach^(A) and without the law.^(B)

⁶ He inquired^(A) of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams^(B) or Urim^(C) or prophets.^(D)

³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them,^(A) because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.^(B)

²⁰ Although the Lord gives you the bread^(A) of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers^(B) will be hidden^(C) no more; with your own eyes you will see them. ²¹ Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice^(D) behind you, saying, “This is the way;^(E) walk in it.”