Samuel was ministering before the LORD, a boy clothed with a linen ephod. And his mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the LORD give you children by this woman for the petition she asked of the LORD.” So then they would return to their home. — 1 Sa 2:18-20
Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the LORD and also with man. — 1 Sa 2:26