1 Samuel 2:18

18 But the boy Samuel served the Lord. He wore a sacred linen apron.

1 Samuel 2:18 Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 2:18

But Samuel ministered before the Lord
The ministration of Samuel, though a child, is observed both before and after the account of the ill behaviour and wickedness of Eli's sons; partly to the shame and disgrace of them, and as serving to aggravate their sin, and make it appear the more black and heinous; and partly to his honour and reputation, that he was not corrupted and turned aside from God by their evil practices. The phrase here used is different from that in ( 1 Samuel 2:11 ) there he is said to minister before Eli, under his direction and guidance, but here before the Lord; being now engaged in higher services, and which he could perform without the assistance of Eli, as in the presence of God more immediately; it seems to have respect to him when more grown in age, stature, knowledge, and experience, though here related: yet still being "a child"; not got out of his childhood, or arrived to manhood:

girded with a linen ephod;
such as priests used to wear, but not Levites in common, nor extraordinary persons on extraordinary occasions, see ( 1 Samuel 22:18 ) ( 2 Samuel 6:14 ) . This seems to be a peculiar favour, and a special honour which Eli granted to Samuel when so very young, on account of the grace of God bestowed on him in a wonderful manner; and because brought up in the tabernacle as a holy person, and a Nazarite; and because his birth was foretold, and he asked of God, as his name signified, as Procopius Gazaeus observes.

1 Samuel 2:18 In-Context

16 Sometimes the man would say to him, "Let the fat be burned up first. Then take what you want." But the servant would answer, "No. Hand it over right now. If you don't, I'll take it away from you by force."

17 That sin of Eli's sons was very great in the LORD's sight. That's because they were making fun of his offering.

18 But the boy Samuel served the Lord. He wore a sacred linen apron.

19 Each year his mother made him a little robe. She took it to him when she went up to Shiloh with her husband. She did it when her husband went to offer the yearly sacrifice.

20 Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife. He would say, "May the LORD give you children by this woman. May they take the place of the boy she prayed for and gave to him." Then they would go home.