Samuel had been placed under the care of Eli, and the loveliness of his character drew forth the warm affection of the aged priest. He was kind, generous, obedient, and respectful. Eli, pained by the waywardness of his own sons, found rest and comfort and blessing in the presence of his charge. Samuel was helpful and affectionate, and no father ever loved his child more tenderly than did Eli this youth. It was a singular thing that between the chief magistrate of the nation and the simple child so warm an affection should exist. As the infirmities of age came upon Eli, and he was filled with anxiety and remorse by the profligate course of his own sons, he turned to Samuel for comfort.

Eli havde fået betroet ansvaret for Samuel, og den gamle præst tog ham til sit hjerte på grund af hans fine karakter. Samuel var venlig, ædel, lydig og ærbødig. Eli var bedrøvet over sine egne sønners selvrådighed og fandt hvile og trøst i selskab med denne yngling, som han var formynder for. Samuel var hjælpsom og venlig, og der har aldrig levet en fader, som har elsket sit barn mere, end Eli elskede denne unge mand. Det var noget ganske enestående, at der blev knyttet et så varmt venskab mellem landets højeste embedsmand og dette barn. Da Eli var blevet svækket af alderdom, søgte han trøst hos Samuel, når hans egne sønners tyggesløse levned fyldte ham med ængstelse og samvittighedsnag.