It was not customary for the Levites to enter upon their peculiar services until they were twenty-five years of age, but Samuel had been an exception to this rule. Every year saw more important trusts committed to him; and while he was yet a child, a linen ephod was placed upon him as a token of his consecration to the work of the sanctuary. Young as he was when brought to minister in the tabernacle, Samuel had even then duties to perform in the service of God, according to his capacity. These were at first very humble, and not always pleasant; but they were performed to the best of his ability, and with a willing heart. His religion was carried into every duty of life. He regarded himself as God's servant, and his work as God's work. His efforts were accepted, because they were prompted by love to God and a sincere desire to do His will. It was thus that Samuel became a 574 co-worker with the Lord of heaven and earth. And God fitted him to accomplish a great work for Israel.

I almindelighed begyndte levitterne ikke at gøre tjeneste, før de var 25 år, men Samuel var en undtagelse. For hvert år der gik, fik han betroet vigtigere opgaver, og allerede som barn gik han med en linned efod som tegn på, at han var indviet til at arbejde i helligdommen. Selv om Samuel var ganske lille, da han begyndte at gøre tjeneste for Gud i tabernaklet, havde han allerede på det tidspunkt pligter, som svarede til hans evner. Til at begynde med var disse opgaver kun små, og de var ikke altid behagelige, men han løste dem så godt, han kunne, og med et villigt hjerte. Han tog sin religion med sig i alt, hvad han beskæftigede sig med. Han betragtede sig som Guds tjener og anså sit arbejde for at være Guds arbejde. Gud anerkendte hans bestræbelser, fordi han var drevet af kærlighed til Gud og et oprigtigt ønske om at gøre hans vilje. Det var på denne måde, Samuel kom til at samarbejde med Himmelens og Jordens Herre, og Gud gjorde ham skikket til at gøre en stor indsats for Israel.