And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.
Elkanah returned home to Ramah. Meanwhile, the young boy Samuel served the LORD under the guidance of Eli the priest.
This verse shows Samuel beginning his life of service to God in the temple while his father returns home, marking the start of Samuel's calling as a prophet.
📚 Historical Context
This follows Hannah's fulfillment of her vow to dedicate her son Samuel to God's service if He would give her a child. Samuel was likely around 3-5 years old when his parents brought him to the tabernacle at Shiloh to live and serve under Eli the high priest. This was during the period of the Judges, before Israel had kings, when the tabernacle served as the central place of worship.
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