1 Samuel 2:11. “Minister.” “The word is used in three senses in Scripture.
1. Of the service of both priests and Levites (Exodus 28:35-43, etc.).
2. Of the ministrations of the Levites as rendered to the priests (Numbers 3:6), where the phrase is nearly identical with that used here.
3. Of any service, especially one rendered to a man of God (Numbers 11:28; 1 Kings 19:21; 2 Kings 6:15, etc.). The application of it to Samuel as ministering to the Lord before Eli the priest accords most exactly with Samuel’s condition as a Levite” (Biblical Commentary). “He must have been engaged in some occupation suited to his tender age, as in playing upon the cymbals, or other instruments of music; in lighting the lamps, or similar easy and interesting services” (Fausset).