It is not clear exactly what is meant by this phrase. There is a suggestion that Samuel could see as well as hear with this final call,1 and thus maybe he saw some kind of manifestation of the divine presence.2 Alternatively it could be an emphasis on nearness—the Lord coming closer to Samuel in a way that was different from his earlier calls to him.3 Indeed, the language of God standing is often used to describe the closeness of his presence (Genesis 28:13; Exodus 34:5).
10 And the LORD came and stood, calling as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant hears.”