1 Samuel 2:18-26

18But Samuel was ministering before the Lord—a boy wearing a linen ephod.

19Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.

20Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the Lord give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the Lord.” Then they would go home.

21And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.

22Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.

23So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours.

24No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good.

25If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.

26And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.