Samuel's youth was passed in the tabernacle solemnly devoted to the worship of God; yet even here he was not free from evil influences or sinful example. The sons of Eli are described in the sacred word as "sons of Belial." They feared not God, nor honored their father; but Samuel did not seek their company nor follow their evil ways. It was his constant effort to make himself what God would have him to become. This is the privilege of every youth. God is pleased when even little children devote themselves to his service; they should not be discouraged in their efforts to become Christians.

Samuels ungdom i tabernaklet var højtideligt hellige til Gudstilbedelse; alligevel var han heller ikke her fri fra onde påvirkninger eller syndige eksempler. Elis sønner beskrives i de hellige ord som ”Belials sønner.” De frygtede ikke Gud, ærede ej heller deres fader, men Samuel søgte ikke deres selskab, eller fulgte deres onde veje. Det var hans stadige bestræbelse at blive til det Gud ville have ham til. Dette er enhver ungs privilegium. Gud er tilfreds når endog små børn helliger sig selv til hans tjeneste; de bør ikke miste modet i deres bestræbelser på at blive kristne.