How does Hannah's offering in 1 Samuel 1:24 demonstrate her faithfulness to God? Hannah’s Act: The Text “After she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh. Though the boy was still young,” (1 Samuel 1:24) Keeping Her Promise Despite the Cost • Hannah had vowed to dedicate her son to lifelong service if God granted her a child (1 Samuel 1:11). • By bringing Samuel to Shiloh when “the boy was still young,” she follows through immediately, illustrating Ecclesiastes 5:4-5—“Fulfill your vow.” • She releases her long-awaited child into priestly care, proving trust that the LORD will protect and use him. Exceeding the Minimum: Generous Offering • Mosaic law required a single bull for certain sacrifices (Numbers 15:8-10). Hannah adds: – a three-year-old bull (the prime of strength) – an ephah of flour (about 22 liters) – a skin of wine • Her gift surpasses obligation, echoing Deuteronomy 16:17: “Everyone must appear with a gift … according to the blessing that the LORD your God has given you.” • Generosity underscores that nothing she possesses—including Samuel—is withheld from God. Submitting Her Future to God • Hannah honors God’s sovereignty; giving her firstborn means entrusting every future child, reputation, and security to Him. • This mirrors Abraham offering Isaac (Genesis 22): faith acts on God’s prior faithfulness, expecting continued provision. Worship Centered on God, Not Circumstance • Shiloh was Israel’s worship center (Joshua 18:1). Hannah does not keep Samuel at home for convenience; she brings him to the place God designated. • True worship aligns with God’s appointed ways, not personal ease (cf. John 4:24). Pattern of Faith Found Elsewhere • Numbers 30:2—keeping vows • Psalm 116:14—“I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.” • 2 Corinthians 9:7—God loves a cheerful giver: Hannah’s joy surfaces in her prayer of chapter 2. What Hannah’s Offering Reveals About Faithfulness • Obedience: she treats her vow as binding Scripture truth. • Sacrifice: she gives what is dearest to her, demonstrating love for God above all. • Generosity: she offers abundantly, reflecting confidence that God will supply. • Public testimony: presenting Samuel in the tabernacle witness affirms God’s answer to prayer before the community. • Forward-looking trust: releasing Samuel entrusts Israel’s future leadership to God’s plan. Hannah’s offering in 1 Samuel 1:24 therefore stands as a tangible, wholehearted declaration that God is worthy of everything she is and has, and that His word is to be taken literally, obeyed fully, and celebrated openly. |
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