What scriptural connections exist between Hannah's actions and Proverbs 22:6? Proverbs 22:6 – Guiding Verse “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Snapshot of Hannah’s Actions (1 Samuel 1–2) • Persistent prayer for a son (1 Samuel 1:11, 19–20) • Vow to give the child wholly to the LORD (1 Samuel 1:11) • Immediate dedication after birth: “So now I dedicate him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” (1 Samuel 1:27-28) • Ongoing follow-through—brought Samuel to Shiloh, left him to minister before Eli (1 Samuel 1:24‐28; 2:11) • Continual nurturing: made a little robe each year and visited at worship times (1 Samuel 2:19) • Result: “The boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.” (1 Samuel 2:26) Direct Links Between Hannah’s Actions and Proverbs 22:6 • Early shaping: Hannah began “training” immediately by dedicating Samuel from infancy—mirroring the verse’s call to start young. • Purposeful direction: she aimed Samuel “in the way he should go,” appointing his life to priestly service and godly living. • Consistent reinforcement: yearly visits and the symbolic robe reinforced identity, illustrating steady instruction implicit in “train up.” • Long-term outcome: Samuel grew to be a faithful prophet (1 Samuel 3:19-20), validating the proverb’s promise that “he will not depart from it.” Wider Scriptural Echoes • Deuteronomy 6:6-7—parents commanded to impress God’s words on children; Hannah lives this out. • Exodus 13:2—firstborn consecrated to the LORD; Hannah exceeds the requirement by lifelong dedication. • Psalm 127:3—children as “a heritage from the LORD”; she handles the heritage by returning Samuel to the Giver. • 2 Timothy 1:5—faith transmitted through generations (Lois → Eunice → Timothy); comparable to Hannah → Samuel. Takeaway for Today • Training begins with parental surrender to God’s purposes. • Vows and intentions must translate into tangible action. • Continual, gentle reinforcement (the yearly robe) nourishes the child’s calling. • God honors faithful training with enduring fruit, just as He did with Samuel. |
    |