Shortly after he was weaned, at perhaps four years of age or so, he began a life of service at the sacred tabernacle of Jehovah at Shiloh, over 20 miles [30 km] from his home in Ramah.
Peagi pärast võõrutamist ehk arvatavasti umbes nelja - aastaselt hakkas ta teenima Jehoovat pühas kogudusetelgis Siilos, kodulinnast Raamast ligikaudu 30 kilomeetri kaugusel.