I Samuel 1 Commentary: The Birth of a Prophet and a Nation's Transition
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim–zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.
And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb.
And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.
And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.
Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord.
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.
Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her.
Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord.
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever.
And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh: and the child was young.
And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.
I Samuel 1 marks the beginning of Samuel's story, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. This chapter sets the stage for a transition from the era of the judges to the monarchy, highlighting God's sovereignty and faithfulness through the seemingly improbable birth of Samuel. Understanding I Samuel 1 is crucial for grasping the significant changes that were about to occur in Israel. Keywords: I Samuel 1
The Context: A Nation Without a King
The book of Judges concludes with the refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 19:1; 21:25). This highlights the lawlessness and faithlessness that plagued Israel, leading to oppression by their enemies. God would raise up judges to deliver them (Judges 2:16-19), but the cycle of sin and deliverance continued. Samson, the last judge before Samuel, only began to break the Philistine oppression (Judges 13:5). Samuel would complete this task (I Samuel 7:14), serving as Israel's last judge (I Samuel 7:15-17) and the first prophet of the monarchy (I Samuel 3:20; 9:15-16; 16:13).
Elkanah's Family: A Portrait of Faith and Sorrow (1:1-8)
The chapter introduces us to Elkanah, Samuel's father, a descendant of Levi (1 Chronicles 6:33-34), though identified as an Ephraimite due to his residence. Elkanah was a godly man who faithfully traveled to Shiloh annually to worship and sacrifice to the Lord at the tabernacle, where the ark of the covenant was kept (I Samuel 1:3).
Elkanah had two wives: Hannah, whom he deeply loved but was childless (I Samuel 1:2, 5), and Peninnah, who had children (I Samuel 1:2). While having multiple wives was practiced at the time, it deviated from God's original design for marriage (Genesis 2:18, 21-24). Peninnah, likely younger, taunted Hannah for her barrenness, a common belief in ancient Israel that childlessness was a curse from God. This caused Hannah deep distress, despite Elkanah's attempts to comfort her (I Samuel 1:6-8). Every year during the family's pilgrimage to Shiloh, Peninnah's taunts and Elkanah's consolation formed a painful ritual.
Hannah's Prayer: A Vow Born of Anguish (1:9-18)
One year, Hannah, unable to bear the heartache any longer, went to the tabernacle to pray. In deep anguish, she poured out her heart to God, vowing that if He would give her a son, she would dedicate him to God for his entire life (I Samuel 1:10-11). Her vow included that no razor would ever touch his head, indicating a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21), signifying dedication to God through abstinence from alcohol and uncut hair.
Eli, the priest, observed Hannah's silent, fervent prayer and mistakenly assumed she was drunk (I Samuel 1:12-14). Hannah clarified her situation, explaining her deep sorrow and fervent plea to God (I Samuel 1:15-16). Eli, realizing his error, blessed Hannah, possibly even prophesying that God would grant her request (I Samuel 1:17). Hannah, comforted by Eli's words, left the temple with a renewed sense of hope (I Samuel 1:18).
Samuel's Birth: God Remembers (1:19-20)
The narrative states that "the LORD remembered Hannah" (I Samuel 1:19). This is significant because the text previously mentioned that "the LORD had kept her from conceiving" (I Samuel 1:6). These parallel truths highlight that if God causes a problem, only God can fix it. The answer to Hannah's prayer was also connected to a kingdom purpose for ministry.
Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "asked of God" (I Samuel 1:20). Samuel's birth not only relieved Hannah's grief but also heralded a gift of incalculable value to Israel. He would be the last of the judges, as well as a prophet and priest, serving as the great transitional figure from the lawless days of the judges to the relative structure and orderliness associated with Israel's monarchy, which would last from Saul's coronation in about 1050 BC to the Babylonian captivity in 587–586 BC.
Hannah's Dedication: Fulfilling the Vow (1:21-28)
For three years, Hannah nurtured Samuel, but she never forgot her vow to dedicate him to the Lord's service at the tabernacle (I Samuel 1:22). Once he was weaned, she took him to Eli at Shiloh, along with a substantial offering (I Samuel 1:24-28).
Hannah reminded Eli of her story and her promise, entrusting Samuel to the elderly priest's care (I Samuel 1:24-28). This act of dedication demonstrates Hannah's deep faith and commitment to God. She willingly gave up her son, the answer to her prayers, for God's service.
Key Themes and Implications
I Samuel 1 underscores several important themes:
- God's Sovereignty: The chapter highlights God's control over life and destiny. Hannah's barrenness and subsequent conception demonstrate that God opens and closes the womb according to His will.
- The Power of Prayer: Hannah's heartfelt, persistent prayer serves as a powerful example of how to approach God in times of distress. Her willingness to pour out her soul and make a vow demonstrates the depth of her faith.
- The Importance of Vows: Hannah's commitment to fulfilling her vow emphasizes the importance of keeping promises made to God. Her dedication of Samuel demonstrates her integrity and reverence.
- Transition and New Beginnings: Samuel's birth marks the beginning of a new era in Israel's history, transitioning from the judges to the monarchy. This chapter foreshadows the significant changes that are about to occur in the nation.
I Samuel 1 is a story of faith, perseverance, and God's faithfulness. It reminds us that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, God hears our prayers and is able to bring about miraculous transformations. Hannah's example inspires us to trust in God's sovereignty and to dedicate ourselves and our gifts to His service.
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim–zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.
And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb.
And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb.
And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.
Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?
So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord.
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore.
And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli marked her mouth.
Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.
And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.
Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.
And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.
And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her.
Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the Lord.
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever.
And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the Lord in Shiloh: and the child was young.
And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.
I Samuel 1 marks the beginning of Samuel's story, a pivotal figure in Israel's history. This chapter sets the stage for a transition from the era of the judges to the monarchy, highlighting God's sovereignty and faithfulness through the seemingly improbable birth of Samuel. Understanding I Samuel 1 is crucial for grasping the significant changes that were about to occur in Israel. Keywords: I Samuel 1
The Context: A Nation Without a King
The book of Judges concludes with the refrain, "In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes" (Judges 19:1; 21:25). This highlights the lawlessness and faithlessness that plagued Israel, leading to oppression by their enemies. God would raise up judges to deliver them (Judges 2:16-19), but the cycle of sin and deliverance continued. Samson, the last judge before Samuel, only began to break the Philistine oppression (Judges 13:5). Samuel would complete this task (I Samuel 7:14), serving as Israel's last judge (I Samuel 7:15-17) and the first prophet of the monarchy (I Samuel 3:20; 9:15-16; 16:13).
Elkanah's Family: A Portrait of Faith and Sorrow (1:1-8)
The chapter introduces us to Elkanah, Samuel's father, a descendant of Levi (1 Chronicles 6:33-34), though identified as an Ephraimite due to his residence. Elkanah was a godly man who faithfully traveled to Shiloh annually to worship and sacrifice to the Lord at the tabernacle, where the ark of the covenant was kept (I Samuel 1:3).
Elkanah had two wives: Hannah, whom he deeply loved but was childless (I Samuel 1:2, 5), and Peninnah, who had children (I Samuel 1:2). While having multiple wives was practiced at the time, it deviated from God's original design for marriage (Genesis 2:18, 21-24). Peninnah, likely younger, taunted Hannah for her barrenness, a common belief in ancient Israel that childlessness was a curse from God. This caused Hannah deep distress, despite Elkanah's attempts to comfort her (I Samuel 1:6-8). Every year during the family's pilgrimage to Shiloh, Peninnah's taunts and Elkanah's consolation formed a painful ritual.
Hannah's Prayer: A Vow Born of Anguish (1:9-18)
One year, Hannah, unable to bear the heartache any longer, went to the tabernacle to pray. In deep anguish, she poured out her heart to God, vowing that if He would give her a son, she would dedicate him to God for his entire life (I Samuel 1:10-11). Her vow included that no razor would ever touch his head, indicating a Nazirite vow (Numbers 6:1-21), signifying dedication to God through abstinence from alcohol and uncut hair.
Eli, the priest, observed Hannah's silent, fervent prayer and mistakenly assumed she was drunk (I Samuel 1:12-14). Hannah clarified her situation, explaining her deep sorrow and fervent plea to God (I Samuel 1:15-16). Eli, realizing his error, blessed Hannah, possibly even prophesying that God would grant her request (I Samuel 1:17). Hannah, comforted by Eli's words, left the temple with a renewed sense of hope (I Samuel 1:18).
Samuel's Birth: God Remembers (1:19-20)
The narrative states that "the LORD remembered Hannah" (I Samuel 1:19). This is significant because the text previously mentioned that "the LORD had kept her from conceiving" (I Samuel 1:6). These parallel truths highlight that if God causes a problem, only God can fix it. The answer to Hannah's prayer was also connected to a kingdom purpose for ministry.
Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "asked of God" (I Samuel 1:20). Samuel's birth not only relieved Hannah's grief but also heralded a gift of incalculable value to Israel. He would be the last of the judges, as well as a prophet and priest, serving as the great transitional figure from the lawless days of the judges to the relative structure and orderliness associated with Israel's monarchy, which would last from Saul's coronation in about 1050 BC to the Babylonian captivity in 587–586 BC.
Hannah's Dedication: Fulfilling the Vow (1:21-28)
For three years, Hannah nurtured Samuel, but she never forgot her vow to dedicate him to the Lord's service at the tabernacle (I Samuel 1:22). Once he was weaned, she took him to Eli at Shiloh, along with a substantial offering (I Samuel 1:24-28).
Hannah reminded Eli of her story and her promise, entrusting Samuel to the elderly priest's care (I Samuel 1:24-28). This act of dedication demonstrates Hannah's deep faith and commitment to God. She willingly gave up her son, the answer to her prayers, for God's service.
Key Themes and Implications
I Samuel 1 underscores several important themes:
- God's Sovereignty: The chapter highlights God's control over life and destiny. Hannah's barrenness and subsequent conception demonstrate that God opens and closes the womb according to His will.
- The Power of Prayer: Hannah's heartfelt, persistent prayer serves as a powerful example of how to approach God in times of distress. Her willingness to pour out her soul and make a vow demonstrates the depth of her faith.
- The Importance of Vows: Hannah's commitment to fulfilling her vow emphasizes the importance of keeping promises made to God. Her dedication of Samuel demonstrates her integrity and reverence.
- Transition and New Beginnings: Samuel's birth marks the beginning of a new era in Israel's history, transitioning from the judges to the monarchy. This chapter foreshadows the significant changes that are about to occur in the nation.
I Samuel 1 is a story of faith, perseverance, and God's faithfulness. It reminds us that even in the midst of difficult circumstances, God hears our prayers and is able to bring about miraculous transformations. Hannah's example inspires us to trust in God's sovereignty and to dedicate ourselves and our gifts to His service.