1 Samuel 2 18

1 Samuel 2:18 kjv

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

1 Samuel 2:18 nkjv

But Samuel ministered before the LORD, even as a child, wearing a linen ephod.

1 Samuel 2:18 niv

But Samuel was ministering before the LORD?a boy wearing a linen ephod.

1 Samuel 2:18 esv

Samuel was ministering before the LORD, a boy clothed with a linen ephod.

1 Samuel 2:18 nlt

But Samuel, though he was only a boy, served the LORD. He wore a linen garment like that of a priest.

1 Samuel 2 verses

1 Samuel 2 18 Meaning

1 Samuel 2:18 portrays Samuel as a young boy diligently serving God directly in the tabernacle, distinguished by the sacred linen garment he wore. This description sets him in sharp contrast to the corrupt actions of Eli’s sons, who were officially sanctioned priests yet desecrated the Lord’s worship. The verse highlights Samuel's early dedication, purity, and divinely appointed role even in his youth.

1 Samuel 2 18 Context

1 Samuel 2:18 is strategically placed to highlight a stark contrast within the chapter. Immediately preceding this verse, the author details the heinous and sacrilegious behavior of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who defiled the offerings to the Lord and corrupted the tabernacle service through greed and immorality (vv. 12-17). Their wickedness epitomized the moral decay within Israel's formal religious leadership. Against this backdrop of spiritual apostasy, Samuel's diligent and pure service from a young age is introduced, setting him apart as a vessel of hope and genuine devotion. His presence and conduct anticipate God's raising of a new, faithful leadership. Historically, Samuel's service occurred at the tabernacle in Shiloh, the central place of worship for Israel before the temple was built in Jerusalem. While priests were usually adult males from the lineage of Aaron, Samuel, a Levite but not an Aaronide priest, serves faithfully from his youth, foreshadowing his unique role as a prophet and judge who would also carry out priestly functions, such as offering sacrifices, by divine appointment.

1 Samuel 2 18 Word analysis

• But Samuel (וּשְׁמוּאֵל, u-Sh'mu'el): The "But" (waw) creates an emphatic contrast with the preceding verses about Eli's corrupt sons. Samuel's name, meaning "Name of God" or "Heard of God," perfectly encapsulates his identity as one consecrated to and attentive to God. His entry into direct service emphasizes his preeminence and unique standing even as a child.
• was ministering (מְשָׁרֵת, m'sharet): From the Hebrew root shārāt, which denotes devoted, continuous service, especially in a religious or royal context. It's a formal and respectful term, often used for priests and Levites attending to God or a king. This isn't just a casual activity; it's consecrated work performed as if attending directly to God Himself, indicating Samuel's profound spiritual commitment and diligence beyond his age.
• before the Lord (אֶת־פְּנֵי יְהוָה, et-p'ney YHVH): Literally "before the face of Yahweh." This phrase emphasizes direct, unmediated service and presence with God, not just before men or Eli. It speaks to Samuel's personal communion and accountability to God. "Yahweh" (the Lord) signifies God's covenant name, underscoring the sacred covenant context of Samuel's service.
• a boy (נַעַר, na'ar): A term for a youth or young man, generally between infancy and early adulthood. It stresses Samuel's tender age, making his conscientious and dedicated service all the more remarkable, especially compared to the grown, formal priests. His youth accentuates the purity of his heart and purpose.
• clothed with (חָגוּר, ḥāgûr): Implies being "girt" or dressed, indicating that the ephod was part of his regular attire for his duties, signaling his preparedness and designation for holy service.
• a linen ephod (אֵפוֹד בָּד, êphōḏ bâḏ):
  • Ephod (ephod): While the High Priest wore an elaborate, decorated ephod (Ex 28), Samuel wore a simpler "linen ephod." This was a plainer garment, a tunic or apron-like vest, worn by common priests (e.g., Ezek 44:17) and by others participating in religious functions (e.g., David in 2 Sam 6:14). It distinguishes his attire as sacerdotal or holy, rather than common, symbolizing his dedication to God's service.
  • Linen (bad): Fine white linen, intrinsically linked in the Mosaic Law to purity, holiness, and priestly garments (e.g., Lev 6:10; Ezek 44:17). Its presence on Samuel highlights his ritual cleanliness and spiritual integrity, contrasting sharply with the defiled conduct of Eli's sons who presumably wore such linen themselves but with defiled hearts.

Words-group analysis

• "Samuel was ministering before the Lord": This clause directly contrasts Samuel with Eli's wicked sons. While they desecrated their office, Samuel fulfilled his role with genuine reverence for God, working directly for the Lord. This phrase establishes his early devotion and the divine approbation upon him.
• "a boy clothed with a linen ephod": This phrase underlines Samuel's exceptional and divinely designated status. His tender age ('boy') underscores the remarkable nature of his dedicated service, while the sacred 'linen ephod' marks his distinct and holy function, symbolizing his purity and separation for sacred duties, long before he would assume formal prophetic or judicial authority. It also visually portrays his unique position, transcending normal protocol due to God's special hand upon him.

1 Samuel 2 18 Bonus section

• Samuel's early wearing of the ephod symbolizes his unique pre-anointed status. Unlike David, who wore a linen ephod later during worship (2 Sam 6:14), Samuel is depicted in it as a routine garment for his ongoing service.
• The detail of Samuel's age ('boy') implies a sense of wonder and divine precociousness, suggesting God had set him apart and was already working through him, setting a standard of piety in sharp relief to the institutional corruption.
• This verse provides an early thematic indicator of God choosing humble or unexpected individuals, like a young boy, to fulfill His purposes when established human structures fail (e.g., King David chosen from among his brothers, the young shepherd boy).
• Samuel's conduct here serves as a practical lesson for spiritual development, showing that true dedication and reverence for God are possible from the youngest age, fostering an active and personal relationship with the divine.

1 Samuel 2 18 Commentary

1 Samuel 2:18 offers a beacon of light amidst the moral darkness detailed in the preceding verses. It draws a clear and impactful distinction between the corrupt priestly house of Eli and the emerging spiritual leadership represented by young Samuel. His "ministering before the Lord" speaks to an earnest, heartfelt devotion that transcended mere ritual, contrasting sharply with Eli's sons who despised God's offerings. The simple "linen ephod" is highly significant; it identifies Samuel not as an ordinary servant but as one engaged in sacred service, embodying ritual purity and readiness to approach the holy God, even if not yet fully of the High Priest's line. This humble garment signifies a profound spiritual truth: Samuel's heart was pure and devoted to God, a testament to God's sovereign hand in raising up true leadership amidst spiritual decay. It foreshadows Samuel's future as the last judge, a great prophet, and the one chosen by God to anoint kings for Israel. His example shows that true service to God stems from a pure heart, not just a formal office or advanced age.