* 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.