Charles Spurgeon Commentary 1 Samuel 3:2

"And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place (now his eyes had begun to wax dim, so that he could not see)," — 1 Samuel 3:2 (ASV)

And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see;

He was a good old man, but he was almost worn out, and he had been unfaithful to God in not keeping his family right. He must have found some comfort in having such a sweet and dear companion and servant as little Samuel was.