But Samuel ministered before the LORD, [being] a child, girded with a linen ephod.
Ver. 18. But Samuel ministered before the Lord.] He did some small charges, as setting up lights, laying up vestments, learning music, or the like. See 1 Samuel 2:11 .
Girded with a linen ephod.] Theoderet saith, a that for the excellent grace appearing in him, and the hopes conceived of him, Eli imparted unto him this honour.
a Quest. 8.