He "Continue Growing Up WIth Jehovah - "Ministering Before Jehovah, as a Boy"

 Samuel had an unusual childhood.  Shortly after he was weaned  at perhaps three years of age or more, he began a life of service at the sacred tabnernacle of Jehovah at Shiloh over 20 miles from his home in Ramah.  His parents, Elkanah and Hannah, dedicated their boy to Jehovah in a special form of service, making him a lifelong Nazarite.  Did this mean that Samuel was cast off, unloved by his parents?

Far from it!  They knew that their son would be cared for at Shiloh. High Priest Eli  no doubt supervised matters, for Samuel worked closely with him.  There were also a number of women who served in some connection  with the tabernacle, evidently in an organized way.  - EXODUS 38:8; JUDGES 11:34-40. 

Furthermore, Hannah and Elkanah never forgot their beloved firstborn, whose very birth was an answer to a prayer. Hannah had asked God for a son, promising to dedicate the boy to God in a life of sacred service.  When visiting each year, Hannah  brought Samuel a new sleeveless coat she had made for the tabernacle service.  The little boy surely cherished those visits.  He no doubt thrived on his parent's loving encouragement and guidance as they taught him what a privilege it was to serve Jehovah in that unique place. 

Next time: He "Continued Growing Up With Jehovah - "Ministering Before Jehovah, as a Boy" - Conclusion

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