the Lord came. This seems to imply a visible appearance, as well as an audible voice.

as at other

1 Samuel 3:4-6,8 That the LORD called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I...

Samuel did not now rise and run as before, when thought 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 massage he now to receive, and Samuel was brought acquainted with the words of God and visions of the Almighty