“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.”
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 Him to serve in the temple.
Trusting in God’s Word: Elkanah, Hannah’s husband, encouraged her to do what she thought was best but also reminded her of the importance of the Lord’s establishment of His Word. Elkanah recognized the significance of fulfilling their vow to God, indicating the trust they placed in His promises.
Commitment and Faithfulness: 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.
God’s Providence: This verse highlights God’s providence and timing. Elkanah’s words acknowledge the need to wait until the child is weaned, indicating that God’s plan required a specific time for Hannah to fulfill her vow. It teaches us that God’s timing is perfect, and His plans unfold according to His wisdom.
The Act of Weaning: 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.
Surrender and Service: Hannah’s act of giving Samuel to 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 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.
