See the marginal references. The words "before the Lord" have a special reference to His residence at the tabernacle.

The Service of the boy Samuel in the Sanctuary—The Dissolute Life of the Sons of Eli—The Doom of the House of Ithamar.

But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to …

And the Lord visited Hannah
In a way of mercy, approving and confirming the ble ing of Eli; or rather granting the b…

Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did t…