In 1 Sam 2-4, we have a few stories recounted. Firstly, Eli’s two sons - descendents of Aaron - had been taking out of the offerings that which was to be God’s, and had grown fat. Eli heard from God that this was wrong but he did little to correct them. God strikes him blind and separates the role of priest to be for those who love him; to those who don’t, only agony, death, and suffering.
On the contrary, Samuel, just a bit under the care of Eli, hears God call him by name in the middle of the night. After some guidance, re replies “speak, LORD, your servant is listening.” This is the appropriate response as it places us, as men, under his authority. What we want, the opinions of others, and family all come second, after the will of the father!
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