How we cite our quotes:
Quote #4
And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision. (1 Samuel, 3:1, KJV)
Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD under Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; visions were not widespread. (1 Samuel, 3:1, NRSV)
When we read the Bible, sometimes it may seem that everyone is having visions and talking to God, but it's important to remember that the Bible takes place over thousands of years. If you look at all the figures in the text and do the math for how many people came and went in the world during that time, you'd be astounded how very few people were blessed to talk to God. Samuel's one of a lucky few.
Quote #5
But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. (1 Samuel 2:18-19, KJV)
Samuel was ministering before the LORD, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. (1 Samuel 2:18-19, NRSV)
We don't know about your grandmothers, but ours really enjoy knitting sweaters. In fact, we have so many sweaters from Christmases past, we could start our own store. We'll call it Shmweaters. Nope, forget it, that's weird. What we're trying to say is that it's nice when our elders carry on traditions of giving. Even if those sweaters are itchy, remember that itchy feeling is really love.
Quote #6
(Beforetime in Israel, when a man went to enquire of God, thus he spake, Come, and let us go to the seer: for he that is now called a Prophet was beforetime called a Seer.) (1 Samuel 9:9, KJV)
(Formerly in Israel, anyone who went to inquire of God would say, "Come, let us go to the seer"; for the one who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.) (1 Samuel 9:9, NRSV)
Here, the narrator interrupts the story to give us some important information. The story calls Samuel a seer. People reading the story may not know what a seer is so the narrator tells them that it's the same thing as prophet. A later editor probably added this information years after the story was originally told for clarification. Thanks, Bible editor.