1 Samuel 3

Premortal Christ (Jehovah)

That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 1 Samuel 3:4–10

Jehovah, who is the premortal Jesus Christ, calls Samuel by name and then 'came, and stood' by him. The Church footnote on 'stood' lines this up with Lehi seeing One descend, with the Savior standing in the Kirtland Temple, and with the First Vision — the Lord still calls His own by name, and the right answer is still 'Speak; for thy servant heareth.'

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · a footnote points to Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

• the same event in D&C 110:2 — 'we saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit' — the same Lord, standing, revealing Himself; the Church footnotes this verse to it.
• alluded to by Joseph Smith—History 1:17 — the two Personages standing above Joseph, one calling him by name — cited in the Church footnote on 'stood'.

Jehovah

And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. 1 Samuel 3:11–14

Jehovah speaks in His own voice, announcing judgment on Eli's house. That no animal sacrifice could purge that sin shows the offerings had no power in themselves apart from the Redeemer they pointed to.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

Jesus (the growing child)

And Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. 1 Samuel 3:19

Samuel grows up with the Lord beside him, and not one of his words fails. The Church footnote sends the reader to Luke 2:52, where the boy Jesus grows the same way — 'in favour with God and man'.

How we know: a footnote points to Him

• alluded to by Luke 2:52 — 'And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man' — verified; the Church footnotes this verse to it.
• the same event in 1 Samuel 2:26 — the same summary of Samuel's growth, footnoted to the same Luke verse — verified in the chapter text.

Messenger of the Covenant (the Word of the Lord)

And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD. 1 Samuel 3:21

The Lord reveals Himself 'by the word of the LORD'. The Church's footnote on that phrase points to Topical Guide 'Jesus Christ, Messenger of the Covenant' — the Word who comes from the Father to deliver His message is the Son.

How we know: a footnote points to Him

Premortal Christ (Jehovah)

And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD. 1 Samuel 3:21

After years without open vision (v. 1), Jehovah appears and reveals Himself to Samuel. The Church footnote sets this beside the brother of Jared seeing the Lord and the promise that those who purify themselves shall see His face.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it · another scripture interprets it of Him

• the same event in Ether 3:13-14 — 'the Lord showed himself unto him' and then 'Behold, I am Jesus Christ' — verified; cited in the Church footnote on 'appeared'.
• alluded to by D&C 107:54 — 'the Lord appeared unto them' (Adam-ondi-Ahman) — cited in the same footnote.