But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child. This break in the historical notice of Eli's sons was made, not for the purpose of exhibiting a contrast advantageous to the character of Samuel, but of noticing his early services in the outer courts of the tabernacle, and thereby to pave the way for the remarkable prophecy regarding the high priest's family.
Girded with a linen ephod - a small shoulder-garment or apron, used in the sacred service by the inferior priests and Levites, sometimes also by judges or eminent persons, and hence, allowed to Samuel, who, though not a Levite, was devoted to God from his birth.