1 Samuel 1:23

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.

1 Samuel 1:23 (KJV)

Context

This verse sits within the larger account of Hannah, a woman who had been barren and who fervently prayed for a child. God answered her prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel. In the preceding verse, Hannah told her husband Elkanah that she would not go up to the yearly sacrifice until the child was weaned, and then she would bring him before the Lord to abide there forever. Elkanah’s reply in verse 23 affirms her plan and adds a prayer that the Lord would establish His word.

Meaning

Elkanah’s words, “Do what seemeth thee good,” show his trust in Hannah’s judgment and his support for her vow. He did not treat her promise lightly, nor did he hinder her devotion. His phrase “only the Lord establish his word” refers to Hannah’s prayer taking effect, so that it could rightly be called the Lord’s promise. Elkanah recognized the significance of fulfilling their vow to God, indicating the trust they placed in His promises. The verse then records that Hannah stayed home and nursed Samuel until he was weaned, demonstrating her commitment to both her son’s well-being and her vow.

Biblical connections

After Samuel was weaned, Hannah fulfilled her vow by bringing him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, as recorded in 1 Samuel 1:24-25. There she presented the child to Eli, to be instructed and trained in the service of the tabernacle. Elkanah came with her, showing that the couple shared the same faith and dedication. This act of surrender reflects the principle that what is given to God is entrusted to His guidance and purpose.

Application

Hannah’s example teaches the importance of fulfilling commitments made to the Lord, even when they require sacrifice. She willingly gave up her precious son, whom she had prayed for so fervently, and entrusted him to God’s service. Her act of devotion reflected her deep faith in the Lord’s faithfulness and provision. The passage also highlights God’s providence and timing: Samuel was weaned before Hannah brought him to the tabernacle, indicating that God’s plan unfolded at the appropriate moment. It reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, and His plans unfold according to His wisdom.

Reflection

Weaning refers to the gradual transition of a child from breastfeeding to solid food, and in this context it held significant cultural and practical importance. Hannah’s commitment to nursing Samuel until he was weaned shows her dedication to her son’s well-being and her desire to fulfill her vow faithfully. Her story encourages us to surrender our lives and loved ones to God’s service, acknowledging that they ultimately belong to Him and trusting His guidance for their future.