“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.”
Context: This verse is part of the narrative surrounding the birth of Samuel, one of the prominent figures in the Old Testament. Samuel’s mother, Hannah, had been barren and fervently prayed to God for a child. In response to her heartfelt prayer, God blessed Hannah with a son, whom she named Samuel.
“Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD”: In this statement, Hannah declares that she acknowledges God’s providence and sovereignty over her child. She recognizes that Samuel is not merely her possession but has been entrusted to her by God. By using the term “lent,” Hannah expresses her understanding that Samuel belongs to the Lord and she is offering him back to God.
“As long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD”: This phrase signifies Hannah’s commitment to dedicate Samuel’s life to the service of God. Hannah willingly gives up her parental rights and pledges to devote Samuel’s life to serving the Lord. It implies that Samuel’s purpose and destiny will be intertwined with God’s plans.
“And he worshipped the LORD there”: The verse concludes with the mention of Hannah’s husband, Elkanah, worshiping the Lord. This may suggest that Elkanah joined Hannah in dedicating Samuel to the Lord, affirming their shared commitment to raise Samuel in a God-centered manner.
Lessons and Applications:
- Surrendering to God’s Will: Hannah’s attitude of surrender and acknowledgment of God’s ownership over Samuel teaches us the importance of recognizing that our children, possessions, and everything we have ultimately belong to God. It reminds us to submit to His plans and purposes, trusting that He knows what is best.
- Dedicated Service: Hannah’s act of dedicating Samuel to the Lord challenges us to consider our own lives and how we are using the resources and gifts God has given us. It encourages us to offer ourselves, our talents, and our time to the service of God, understanding that our lives are not solely for our personal gratification but for His glory.
- Parental Responsibility: Hannah’s example highlights the responsibility of parents to raise their children in the fear and knowledge of God. It serves as a reminder that we have a duty to guide and nurture the spiritual growth of our children, encouraging them to develop a personal relationship with God and dedicate their lives to His service.
- Trusting God’s Timing: Hannah’s story teaches us about the power of persistent prayer and trusting God’s timing. Despite her initial barrenness and the difficulties she faced, Hannah persevered in seeking God’s intervention. This encourages us to trust in God’s faithfulness and timing in answering our prayers, even when circumstances seem discouraging.
Overall, 1 Samuel 1:28 offers valuable lessons on surrendering to God’s will, dedicating our lives to His service, fulfilling parental responsibilities, and trusting in God’s faithfulness. It serves as a reminder that our lives and everything we have are ultimately meant to bring glory to God.
