Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Samuel 2:18

"But Samuel ministered before Jehovah, being a child, girded with a linen ephod." — 1 Samuel 2:18 (ASV)

But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.

What a contrast there was between little Samuel and the sons of Eli! He was not led astray by the evil example of those who were older than himself, and to whom he would naturally look up because of their high office. This dear child escaped contamination because God's grace preserved him and also because his mother's prayers, like a wall of fire, were around him.