“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 forever.”
Samuel 1:22 is a verse that highlights the story of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. To better understand the significance of this verse, let’s explore the context and the key themes surrounding it.
Context:The book of 1 Samuel begins by introducing Elkanah, a man from the tribe of Ephraim, and his two wives: Peninnah, who had children, and Hannah, who was barren. Hannah’s inability to conceive caused her great distress, especially because Peninnah would provoke and mock her because of it.
In her distress, Hannah poured out her heart to the Lord in the tabernacle at Shiloh, where the priest Eli observed her fervent prayer. Hannah made a vow to the Lord, promising that if He would bless her with a son, she would dedicate him to His service all the days of his life.
Key Themes:
- Hannah’s Vow:In 1 Samuel 1:22, Hannah demonstrates her faithfulness to her vow. She tells her husband, Elkanah, that she will not go up to the tabernacle until her child is weaned. This highlights Hannah’s commitment to keeping her promise to God. She desired to give her son fully to the Lord’s service and fulfill her vow.
- Dedication to God:Hannah’s vow reflects her deep devotion to God. By dedicating her son to the Lord, she was acknowledging God’s sovereignty and acknowledging that the child was a gift from Him. This act of dedication signifies Hannah’s recognition that her son belonged to God and that she was willing to let him serve the Lord wholeheartedly.
- Worship and Sacrifice:The verse emphasizes the significance of appearing before the Lord. It highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice in the lives of believers. Hannah’s desire to bring her son to appear before the Lord reveals her intention to present Samuel to God and fulfill her commitment.
- Long-Term Commitment:Hannah’s statement, “and there abide forever,” reveals her willingness to honor her vow not only in the short term but also for the rest of her son’s life. She intended to fulfill her promise by leaving Samuel in the service of the Lord for as long as he lived.
Lessons and Applications:
- Faithfulness in Promises:Hannah’s commitment to her vow reminds us of the importance of faithfulness to our promises, especially those made to God. It teaches us the value of keeping our word and honoring our commitments before the Lord.
- Recognizing God’s Ownership:Hannah’s act of dedicating her son to the Lord reminds us that everything we have, including our children, ultimately belongs to God. It encourages us to surrender our possessions, talents, and loved ones to God’s service and seek His guidance in their lives.
- Sacrificial Worship:Hannah’s dedication of Samuel demonstrates the idea of sacrificial worship. It teaches us the value of offering ourselves fully to God and giving up what is dear to us for His purposes. It reminds us that true worship involves surrendering our lives and resources to God.
- Patience and Timing:By waiting until Samuel was weaned before bringing him to the tabernacle, Hannah shows patience and a sense of God’s timing. This teaches us the importance of seeking God’s guidance and waiting for His appointed time, even when it requires patience and delay.
1 Samuel 1:22 captures Hannah’s commitment to fulfill her vow to dedicate her son, Samuel, to the Lord’s service. Her example teaches us about faithfulness, dedication, sacrificial worship, and patience in seeking God’s timing.
