What does Hannah's annual gift reveal about her love and commitment to Samuel? A Tender Snapshot from Shiloh 1 Samuel 2:19: “Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.” Hand-Stitched Evidence of a Mother’s Heart • Personal touch—Hannah sews the robe herself; she does not delegate the task (compare Proverbs 31:13). • Tailored to Samuel’s growth—“little” suggests she adjusts the size yearly, tracking his physical and spiritual development. • Linen priestly robe (cf. 1 Samuel 2:18)—points to her desire that he serve the LORD with purity (Exodus 28:39-41). Love Woven With Sacrifice • Cost of materials plus travel to Shiloh each year. • She surrendered her firstborn yet still invests time, skill, and resources—mirroring the vow in 1 Samuel 1:22-28. • Reflects the principle of giving God the best (Malachi 1:6-8; Romans 12:1). Commitment Displayed in Consistency • Annual rhythm parallels Israel’s feast cycles (Deuteronomy 16:16), showing Hannah’s faithfulness to covenant worship. • Persistent over years, not a one-time gesture—echoes Galatians 6:9, “Let us not grow weary in doing good.” Spiritual Nurture From Afar • Each robe a silent reminder to young Samuel of his mother’s prayers (1 Samuel 1:27). • Tangible link to family devotion reinforces Deuteronomy 6:5-7—parents impressing faith on children. • Encourages Samuel’s identity as “lent to the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:28), guiding him toward lifelong obedience (1 Samuel 3:19). Foreshadowing Greater Truths • A mother clothing her consecrated son anticipates Mary bringing garments for Jesus (Luke 2:41-51), both boys growing “in favor with the LORD and with men” (1 Samuel 2:26; Luke 2:52). • Points to God’s own provision of righteous garments for His children (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8). Takeaway: Love That Keeps Sewing Hannah’s yearly gift shouts that genuine love stays engaged, pays the price, and never stops pointing the next generation toward faithful service to the LORD. |
    |