I receive daily emails from www.israelbiblecenter.com. I love to read about the Jewish culture and the “hidden meanings” that I find—as a Westerner—when I get to look at the Scriptures through different eyes. I love reading about the Hebrew words, and how they can be translated, and where they are used in the Bible.

This morning’s email was titled, “When God calls, are you Listening?” Here is a quote from that article:

The Hebrew word הִנֵּנִי (hineini) appears at some of the most sacred moments in Scripture. It is the answer of someone who is fully present: attentive, available, ready.

• Abraham says “hineini” when God calls him (Genesis 22:1).
• Jacob answers “hineini” (Genesis 31:11).
• Moses answers “hineini” at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4).
• Now Samuel says the same word.

But there is a small difference. Samuel does not yet recognize the Voice: “Samuel did not yet know the Lord, and the word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.” (1 Samuel 3:7)

It made me think of this verse: Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. (Isaiah 30:21, NIV)

But how do I know it is God’s voice that is talking in my ear? That was Samuel problem. He heard this voice calling him, and he runs to Eli saying, “Hineini,” which means, “Here I am.”

It was Eli who told Samuel that it was God who was calling him, and to answer, “Hineini, shomea avdekha.” or “Here I am, your servant is listening.”

I don’t just hear, I am actually putting for the effort to listen, to take in what you are saying, and then I will respond with obedience.

I move from passive to active in my verb tense. I’m more than a busy person murmuring “Uh huh,” to an interruption without really taking it in. Instead, I:

• stop what I am doing
• listen closely to God’s word
• and respond with obedience.

So, what is it that I can learn from these Hebrew words in the Scriptures?

• Listen and learn to recognize God’s voice—as a daily practice.
• Willingly accept His guidance.
• Actively obey.

Lord, teach me to recognize your voice. Deal with my pride and self-assertiveness so that I truly listen. And don’t let me stop there, but fill me with your Holy Spirit so that I overflow with Your Presence and act in Your Will. Amen.