What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 1:24? Once she had weaned him “Once she had weaned him” signals the completion of Samuel’s earliest dependence on Hannah. In biblical culture this usually occurred around age two or three (Genesis 21:8). Hannah waited until that moment so her son would be strong enough to serve yet still tender enough to be shaped by the Lord. Her patience echoes the wisdom of Ecclesiastes 3:1—there is “a time for every purpose.” By trusting God’s timing, she honors the vow she made before Eli (1 Samuel 1:11, 23) without neglecting maternal responsibility. Hannah took the boy with her Hannah personally brings Samuel to Shiloh, demonstrating that vows are fulfilled best when handled directly, not delegated (Psalm 116:14; Proverbs 20:25). Her action models Psalm 66:13, “I will enter Your house with burnt offerings.” Notice: • No hesitation—faith acts promptly (James 2:17). • No second-guessing—faith remembers answered prayer (1 Samuel 1:20). • No resentment—faith rejoices to give back what God first gave (1 Chronicles 29:14). Along with a three-year-old bull The bull represents a costly burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3; Numbers 15:8). Three years suggests maturity and completeness, underscoring the total devotion Hannah intends for Samuel. Like Elijah’s three-year-old sacrifice on Carmel (1 Kings 18:33), this offering proclaims, “The LORD—He is God!” Generosity always accompanies true worship (2 Samuel 24:24). An ephah of flour An ephah—about thirty pounds—matches the grain portion that accompanies a large animal sacrifice (Exodus 29:40). This flour points to Christ as the “grain of wheat” who would give His life (John 12:24). Hannah’s abundant measure affirms that God deserves more than minimum compliance; He is worthy of lavish obedience (Mark 14:3-9). A skin of wine Wine completed the drink offering (Numbers 15:5, 10). It symbolized joy (Psalm 104:15) and covenant fellowship (Matthew 26:27-28). Hannah’s inclusion of wine shows her approach is festive, not forced—serving God is a delight, not a duty (2 Corinthians 9:7). Though the boy was still young Samuel’s youth makes the surrender more striking. Isaiah 11:6 pictures a child leading in God’s peaceable kingdom; Jeremiah 1:6-7 reminds that age does not limit divine calling. By entrusting a small child to the priesthood, Hannah testifies that God can guard what is given to Him (2 Timothy 1:12). She brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh Shiloh housed the tabernacle—the center of Israel’s worship since Joshua 18:1. Bringing Samuel there fulfills Deuteronomy 12:5, which commanded worship “at the place the LORD your God will choose.” Hannah is not abandoning her son; she is positioning him in God’s presence, much like Mary later presents Jesus in the temple (Luke 2:22). The scene anticipates Samuel’s lifelong ministry: “The boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:21). summary Every phrase of 1 Samuel 1:24 showcases surrendered worship. Hannah waits for the right time, travels in person, and arrives with costly offerings, all while releasing her cherished child to God’s care. Her example invites believers to give back the very blessings God bestows, confident that whatever is laid on His altar is never lost but multiplied for His glory. |
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