Had told Samuel in his ear. —Literally, had uncovered the ear of Samuel. The image is taken from the action of pushing as…

As soon as ye be come into the city, ye shall straightway find him, before he go up to the high place to eat: for the people will not eat until…

Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear
In a private manner, whispering in his ear, telling him in a free, familiar,…

Even the maid-servants of the city could direct people to the prophet. They had heard of the sacrifice and could tell of the necessity for Samuel's…