* the Lord came.
This seems to imply a visible appearance, as well as an
audible voice.
* as at other.
4-6,8
Samuel did not now rise and run as before, when thought he Eli
called, but lay still and listened. All must be silent, when
God speaks. Observe, however, Samuel in his reply left out
one word: he did not say, Speak, Lord, but only Speak, for
thy servant heareth; perhaps, as Bp. Patrick suggests, out of
uncertainty, whether it was God that spake to him or not.
However, by this answer way was made for the message he was
now to receive, and Samuel was brought acquainted with the
words of God and visions of the Almighty.
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