18 But Samuel was ministering before the Lord-a boy wearing a linen ephod.

Other Translations of 1 Samuel 2:18

King James Version

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

English Standard Version

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

The Message

18 In the midst of all this, Samuel, a boy dressed in a priestly linen tunic, served God.

New King James Version

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

New Living Translation

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

Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:18

Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11-26

(Read 1 Samuel 2:11-26)

Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. Eli shunned trouble and exertion. This led him to indulge his children, without using parental authority to restrain and correct them when young. He winked at the abuses in the service of the sanctuary till they became customs, and led to abominations; and his sons, who should have taught those that engaged in the service of the sanctuary what was good, solicited them to wickedness. Their offence was committed even in offering the sacrifices for sins, which typified the atonement of the Saviour! Sins against the remedy, the atonement itself, are most dangerous, they tread under foot the blood of the covenant. Eli's reproof was far too mild and gentle. In general, none are more abandoned than the degenerate children of godly persons, when they break through restraints.