1. In those days the word of the Lord was rare (1-9)

During the time of the Judges the word of the Lord was rare, and there were not many visions. But this did not mean God was absent. On this night the Lord spoke to Samuel, but he did not recognize it, assuming it was Eli. Finally Eli realized it was the Lord. He instructed Samuel how to respond, and Samuel waited for the call. It was God's time to speak, and it was Samuel's time to listen and serve.

2. Samuel's word came to all Israel (10-21)

The Lord revealed his word to young Samuel concerning Israel and the house of Eli. It was not happy news, but Eli helped Samuel to overcome his fear and speak the word the Lord had spoken. This is the truth of a prophet, to listen to God and speak what he says, not what people want to hear. God was raising Samuel as a prophet who would reveal the Lord and his word to all Israel.