What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 1:22? But Hannah did not go. • Elkanah and his household were making their regular pilgrimage to Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:3), yet Hannah stays behind. • Her choice underscores deliberate obedience, not neglect. She understands that timing matters in fulfilling a vow (Ecclesiastes 5:4–5). • By remaining home, she shows that devotion to the LORD sometimes means waiting rather than rushing (Psalm 37:7). • Her restraint mirrors Mary’s later pondering of heavenly matters in her heart before acting (Luke 2:19). After the boy is weaned, • In ancient Israel, weaning often took place around age three. Until then, Samuel was utterly dependent on her—physically and spiritually. • Hannah’s promise hinges on Samuel reaching a stage where he can thrive in temple life (1 Samuel 1:24). • The scene echoes Genesis 21:8, where Abraham marks Isaac’s weaning with celebration, recognizing a milestone of God’s faithfulness. • Weaning here foreshadows growth from milk to solid food in faith (Hebrews 5:12–14). She said to her husband, • Hannah honors marital order by communicating her plan to Elkanah (Ephesians 5:33). • Elkanah’s earlier blessing (1 Samuel 1:23) demonstrates unity: a household aligned in surrender to God. • Together they model the harmony of Amos 3:3—“Can two walk together unless they are agreed?” • Their partnership reminds us that family vows should be affirmed in mutual submission to the LORD (Colossians 3:18–19). I will take him to appear before the LORD • Hannah intends to bring Samuel to the tabernacle at Shiloh, fulfilling her vow (1 Samuel 1:11, 1:24). • This act mirrors the requirement that every male appear before the LORD at appointed times (Deuteronomy 16:16). • Centuries later, Joseph and Mary will bring Jesus to the temple in a similar act of dedication (Luke 2:22–24). • Hannah’s words reveal that true worship involves offering our best—not leftovers—to God (Malachi 1:8). And to stay there permanently. • “Permanently” speaks of lifelong service; Hannah is surrendering her firstborn entirely (1 Samuel 1:28). • Samuel’s perpetual ministry foreshadows the Nazarite dedication Paul references in Acts 18:18. • The permanence echoes Exodus 21:6, where a servant commits forever; Samuel becomes the LORD’s servant joyfully. • Like Anna who “never left the temple” (Luke 2:37), Samuel will dwell in God’s presence continually (Psalm 27:4). summary Hannah’s deliberate delay, her timing after weaning, her respectful communication with Elkanah, her resolve to present Samuel before the LORD, and her commitment to permanent dedication all reveal a faith that is patient, thoughtful, and wholehearted. 1 Samuel 1:22 shows that fulfilling a vow to God often involves careful preparation, family unity, and total surrender—offering back to the LORD the very blessings He first gave. |
    |