1 Samuel 2:18

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

And Samuel ministered before YHWH, a boy girded with an ephod of linen.

Latin

Samuel autem ministrabat ante faciem Domini, puer accinctus ephod lineo.

Hebrew

English

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

The phrase Samuel served the Lord refers to the religious duties of Levites and priests (see, for example, Numbers 3:4; 8:19, 24; Deuteronomy 18:7). Samuel, like Eli's sons, was a Levite (see study note on 1 Samuel 1:1). However, unlike Eli's sons, Samuel performed his duties well.
He wore a linen garment similar to what priests wore when serving in the sanctuary (see study note on 1 Samuel 22:18).

Theme notes and profiles

1 Samuel 3:1
And the boy Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. Now in those days the word of the LORD was rare, and visions were scarce.
Exodus 28:4
These are the garments that they shall make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban, and a sash. They are to make these holy garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so that they may serve Me as priests.
1 Samuel 2:11
Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest.
2 Samuel 6:14
And David, wearing a linen ephod, danced with all his might before the LORD,
1 Samuel 22:18
So the king ordered Doeg, “You turn and strike down the priests!” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests himself. On that day he killed eighty-five men who wore the linen ephod.
1 Samuel 2:28
And out of all the tribes of Israel I selected your father to be My priest, to offer sacrifices on My altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in My presence. I also gave to the house of your father all the food offerings of the Israelites.
Leviticus 8:7
He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him.
1 Chronicles 15:27
Now David was dressed in a robe of fine linen, as were all the Levites who were carrying the ark, as well as the singers and Chenaniah, the director of music for the singers. David also wore a linen ephod.

Samuel: Prophet and last judge of Israel before the kings