Ministered, i.e. performed his ministration carefully and faithfully, not corrupting nor abusing it, as Eli's sons did. Before the Lord; in God's tabernacle; or as in God's presence, sincerely and regardarly, with God's approbation. Compare Genesis 17:1 2 Chronicles 26:4. A linen ephod; a garment used in God's service, and allowed not only to the inferior priests and Levites, but also to eminent persons of the people, as 2 Samuel 6:11, and therefore to Samuel, who, though no Levite, was a Nazarite, and that from his birth.
Related Commentaries of 1 Samuel 2:18
1 Samuel 2:18
18 But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.