Contrast with Eli’s family

In the previous section, the sins and unfaithfulness of Eli’s sons were recorded. Today’s passage contrasts with that. Let’s focus on the faithfulness of Samuel and his parents. (1) Despite being young, Samuel served before the Lord within his capabilities. The “linen ephod” is a garment worn by priests. While the high priest’s ephod was gorgeously made, the ephods for regular priests were simpler. (2) Samuel’s mother went up to the house of the Lord every year and brought a new robe for her growing son each time. Elkanah and Hannah continued their interaction with Samuel and fulfilled their duties as parents. The Lord blessed the two, who remained faithful to Him. Hannah was already satisfied with being given Samuel, but the Lord additionally gave her three sons and two daughters. This means that besides Samuel, she was given five more children. Hannah, who had dedicated Samuel for the Lord’s work, received fivefold blessings from the Lord. Furthermore, Samuel, who was dedicated to the Lord, grew up healthily before the Lord. Here, we see the image of a truly blessed family.

Raising a child

Let’s learn from Samuel’s attitude of service. As a young child, Samuel could not have performed the tasks normally done by regular priests. However, there were services that even a child could perform, which Samuel faithfully carried out. When one is faithful in the service given to them, more opportunities will be presented. The Lord helped Samuel grow and expanded his area of service year by year. Whether a child or an adult, the principle of service is the same. When we start with the small things we are given, the things we are able to do, we then will be entrusted with greater tasks. Let’s remember the words of Jesus Christ, as He said, “Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master” (Matt. 25:21).