But Hannah went not vp; for shee said vnto her husband, I will not goe vp vntill the childe be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appeare before the Lord, and there abide for euer. 1 Samuel 1:22 (KJV)
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. 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 the child is weaned, and then she will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide forever. This highlights Hannah’s commitment to keeping her promise to God. Her desire to give her son fully to the Lord’s service reflects deep devotion to God. By dedicating her son to the Lord, she acknowledges God’s sovereignty and that the child was a gift from Him. The verse emphasizes the significance of appearing before the Lord, highlighting the importance of worship and sacrifice in the lives of believers. Hannah’s statement, “and there abide forever,” reveals her willingness to honor her vow for the rest of her son’s life. The example teaches faithfulness in promises, reminding us of the importance of keeping our word before the Lord. It also reminds us that everything we have, including our children, ultimately belongs to God, encouraging us to surrender our possessions, talents, and loved ones to His service. Hannah’s dedication of Samuel demonstrates sacrificial worship, showing the value of offering ourselves fully to God and giving up what is dear for His purposes. By waiting until Samuel was weaned before bringing him to the tabernacle, Hannah shows patience and a sense of God’s timing. This teaches the importance of seeking God’s guidance and waiting for His appointed time, even when it requires delay.
