1 Samuel 2:18

But Samuel ministered before the LORD, [being] a child, girded with a linen ephod.

But Samuel {H8050} ministered {H8334} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, being a child {H5288}, girded {H2296} with a linen {H906} ephod {H646}.

But Sh'mu'el ministered in the presence of ADONAI, wearing a linen ritual vest even though he was only a child.

Now Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod.

But Samuel ministered before Jehovah, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

Commentary

1 Samuel 2:18 (KJV) provides a poignant glimpse into the early life and dedication of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. This verse serves as a stark contrast to the preceding verses, which describe the unrighteousness and corruption of Eli's sons.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse is set at the tabernacle in Shiloh, the central place of worship for Israel before the building of Solomon's Temple. Samuel's presence there is a direct fulfillment of his mother Hannah's vow, who dedicated him to the Lord's service after her prayer for a son was answered (1 Samuel 1:28). While the sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were bringing disgrace to the Lord's worship through their wicked practices and disregard for the law (1 Samuel 2:12-17), young Samuel is portrayed as faithfully serving God. This contrast highlights God's providence in raising up a pure and dedicated servant amidst spiritual decline.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Early Dedication and Service: The verse emphasizes Samuel's commitment to the Lord from a very young age. His service stands as an example of sincere devotion, regardless of one's years.
  • Divine Calling: Even as a child, Samuel was clearly set apart for a special purpose in God's plan. His early ministry foreshadows his later roles as a prophet, priest, and judge in Israel.
  • Contrast between Righteousness and Corruption: Samuel's faithful ministry directly contrasts with the corrupt behavior of Eli's adult sons. This sharp distinction sets the stage for God's judgment on Eli's house and the rise of a new, righteous leadership through Samuel.
  • God's Providence: In a time of spiritual darkness and moral decay within the priesthood, God was sovereignly preparing and raising up a faithful servant who would restore integrity to Israel's spiritual leadership.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "ministered before the LORD" uses the Hebrew verb שָׁרַת (*sharat*), which denotes serving in a sacred or official capacity, often associated with temple or tabernacle duties. It highlights Samuel's active participation in the worship services. The "linen ephod" (אֵפוֹד בַּד, *ephod bad*) was a simple priestly garment, distinct from the more elaborate ephod worn by the High Priest. It was typically worn by priests and others engaged in sacred service, such as King David when he danced before the Lord (2 Samuel 6:14). This garment visually signified Samuel's dedicated role in the tabernacle, even as a child, marking him as consecrated to God's service.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 2:18 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Nurturing Faith in Children: Samuel's example underscores the importance of teaching and involving children in spiritual life from an early age. Parents can follow Hannah's example of dedicating their children to God's purposes.
  • God Uses All Ages: This verse reminds us that God can use anyone, regardless of their age or perceived limitations, if they are dedicated and available to Him. Samuel's childhood did not hinder his call.
  • The Power of Faithful Service: Even small acts of faithful service are noticed and honored by God. Samuel's humble beginnings in ministry paved the way for his profound impact on Israel.
  • Integrity in Ministry: The contrast between Samuel and Eli's sons serves as a powerful reminder for all who serve God to maintain integrity and reverence in their service.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Exodus 28:4 (6 votes)

    And these [are] the garments which they shall make; a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and a broidered coat, a mitre, and a girdle: and they shall make holy garments for Aaron thy brother, and his sons, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office.

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.

  • 1 Samuel 2:11 (5 votes)

    ¶ And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

  • 2 Samuel 6:14 (4 votes)

    And David danced before the LORD with all [his] might; and David [was] girded with a linen ephod.

  • 1 Samuel 22:18 (3 votes)

    And the king said to Doeg, Turn thou, and fall upon the priests. And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he fell upon the priests, and slew on that day fourscore and five persons that did wear a linen ephod.

  • 1 Chronicles 15:27 (2 votes)

    And David [was] clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites that bare the ark, and the singers, and Chenaniah the master of the song with the singers: David also [had] upon him an ephod of linen.

  • Leviticus 8:7 (2 votes)

    And he put upon him the coat, and girded him with the girdle, and clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod upon him, and he girded him with the curious girdle of the ephod, and bound [it] unto him therewith.