Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 2:11

"And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto Jehovah before Eli the priest." — 1 Samuel 2:11 (ASV)

Elkanah went to Ramah. —These simple words just sketch out what took place after Hannah left her boy in Shiloh. Elkanah went home, and the old family life, with its calm religious trustfulness, flowed on in the quiet town of “Ramah of the Watchers” as it did before; the only disturbing, sorrowful element was removed in answer to the mother’s prayers, and little children grew up (1 Samuel 2:21) around Hannah and Elkanah.

But the life of the dedicated child Samuel was different; he lived under the shadow of the sanctuary, ministering with his youthful capacities before the altar of the Invisible, and was trained, we may well assume, in all the traditions and learning of Israel by the old high priest.

The word “minister” is the official term used to signify the duties performed by priests and Levites in connection with the service of God.