Called to Service

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

Though Samuel’s youth was passed at the tabernacle devoted to the worship of God, he was not free from evil influences or sinful example.

The sons of Eli feared not God, nor honored their father; but Samuel did not seek their company nor follow their evil ways. It was his constant endeavor to become what God would have him. . . . “Samuel had been placed under the care of Eli, and the loveliness of his character drew forth the warm affection of the aged priest. He was kind, generous, obedient, and respectful. Eli . . . found rest and comfort and blessing in the presence of his charge. Samuel was helpful and affectionate, and no father ever loved his child more tenderly than did Eli this youth. It was a singular thing that between the chief magistrate of the nation and the simple child so warm an affection should exist.” Levites were called to the ministry of the Lord only after they had attained their twenty-fifth birthday. Samuel was an exception to that rule.

“Every year saw more important trusts committed to him; and while he was yet a child, a linen ephod was placed upon him as a token of his consecration to the work of the sanctuary.” The tiny linen ephod “was a short, sleeveless garment consisting of front and back panels joined at the shoulders and drawn in at the waist with a girdle.” Hannah and her husband made yearly trips to the tabernacle and would bring Samuel a new coat Hannah had made for him. I can just see her trying it on him and asking him to turn so she might gauge the fit.

The bond between mother and son was unbroken.

“What is lent to the Lord is sure to be returned with compound interest. Hannah dedicated one child to the Lord and was rewarded with five others.”