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God Calls the Child Samuel
365
was filled with joy and praise, and she poured out her gratitude to
God.
From Shiloh, Hannah returned to her home at Ramah, leaving
Samuel with Eli to be trained for service in the house of God. From
his babyhood she had taught her son to think of himself as the Lord’s.
Every day he was the subject of her prayers. Every year she made
a robe of service for him, and as she went up with her husband to
worship at Shiloh, she gave the child this reminder of her love. Every
fiber of the little garment had been woven with prayer that he would
be pure, noble, and true. She earnestly pleaded that he would reach
the greatness that Heaven values, that he would honor God and bless
others.
What a reward was Hannah’s! And what an encouragement her
example is for faithfulness! There are opportunities specially given
to every mother. The humble round of duties that women regard
as boring and tedious should be looked upon as a grand and noble
work. Through sunshine and shadow, the mother may make straight
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paths for the feet of her children, toward the glorious heights above.
But it is only when she seeks to follow Christ in her own life that the
mother can hope to form the character of her children after God’s
pattern. Every mother should go often to her Savior with the prayer,
“Teach us, how shall we train the child, and what shall we do to
him?” and she will be given wisdom.
“The child Samuel grew in stature, and in favor both with the
Lord and men.” Samuel’s youth was not free from evil influences or
sinful examples. The sons of Eli did not respect God or honor their
father, but Samuel did not try to spend time with them or follow their
evil ways. He constantly tried to become what God wanted him to
be.
The beauty of Samuel’s character brought out the warm affection
of the aged priest. Samuel was kind, generous, obedient, and re-
spectful. Eli, pained by the evil ways of his own sons, found comfort
and blessing in the presence of this child entrusted to him. No father
ever loved his son or daughter more tenderly than Eli loved this
youth. Filled with anxiety and remorse by the immoral behavior of
his own sons, Eli turned to Samuel for comfort.
Every year saw more important trusts committed to him. While
Samuel was still a child, Eli placed a linen ephod on him as a sign