And Elkanah her husband said vnto her, Do what seemeth thee good, tary vntill thou haue weaned him, only the Lord establish his word: so the woman abode, and gaue her sonne sucke vntill she weaned him. 1 Samuel 1:23 (KJV)
This verse is part of the story of Hannah, a barren woman who fervently prayed to the Lord for a child. God eventually granted her request, and she gave birth to a son named Samuel. After Samuel was weaned, Hannah fulfilled her vow to God by giving Samuel back to the Lord to serve in the temple, as recorded in 1 Samuel 1:24‑28.
Elkanah, Hannah’s husband, encouraged her to do what seemed good to her and reminded her that the LORD establishes His word, while Hannah herself declared, “As the LORD liveth, (for he hath not turned away his mercy from me) yet I will bring Him the child that I have brought up,” showing her deep trust in the Lord’s promise.
Hannah demonstrated her commitment and faithfulness by fulfilling her vow to God. 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 and sacrifice reflected her deep faith in the Lord’s faithfulness and provision.
The passage highlights God’s providence and timing. The Scripture notes that Samuel was weaned before Hannah brought him to the tabernacle, indicating that God’s plan unfolded at the appropriate moment. It teaches that God’s timing is perfect, and His plans unfold according to His wisdom.
Weaning refers to the gradual transition of a child from breastfeeding to consuming solid food. In this context, the weaning process 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.
Hannah’s act of bringing Samuel to the house of the LORD demonstrates the importance of surrendering our lives and loved ones to God’s service. By offering Samuel to serve in the temple, Hannah acknowledged that her son ultimately belonged to God, and she entrusted his future to the Lord’s guidance and purpose.
Overall, 1 Samuel 1:23‑24 highlights themes of trust, faithfulness, obedience, and surrender to God’s plans. It reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our commitments to the Lord and placing our trust in His providence, even when it requires sacrifice.
