11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the Lord before Eli the priest.
11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy ministered before the Lord under Eli the priest.
11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy ministered to the Lord in the presence of Eli the priest.
11 Elkanah went home to Ramah. The boy stayed and served God in the company of Eli the priest. Samuel Serves God
11 Then Elkanah went to his house at Ramah. But the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.
11 Then Elkanah returned home to Ramah without Samuel. And the boy served the Lord by assisting Eli the priest.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11
Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11-26
(Read 1 Samuel 2:11-26)
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. Eli shunned trouble and exertion. This led him to indulge his children, without using parental authority to restrain and correct them when young. He winked at the abuses in the service of the sanctuary till they became customs, and led to abominations; and his sons, who should have taught those that engaged in the service of the sanctuary what was good, solicited them to wickedness. Their offence was committed even in offering the sacrifices for sins, which typified the atonement of the Saviour! Sins against the remedy, the atonement itself, are most dangerous, they tread under foot the blood of the covenant. Eli's reproof was far too mild and gentle. In general, none are more abandoned than the degenerate children of godly persons, when they break through restraints.