What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 1:25?

And when they had slaughtered the bull

• 1 Samuel 1:24 records that Hannah and Elkanah arrived at Shiloh “with a three-year-old bull.” The literal act of slaughtering underscores that worship in Israel always involved real, costly sacrifice (Leviticus 1:3-5; Deuteronomy 12:6).

• Their bull offering follows Elkanah’s yearly pattern of honoring the LORD (1 Samuel 1:21), demonstrating consistent obedience rather than a one-time emotional gesture.

• A bull was the most valuable animal in a household’s herd. Presenting it showed Hannah’s deep gratitude for answered prayer (cf. Psalm 116:17):

– God had opened her barren womb (1 Samuel 1:20).

– She now responds with worship before seeking anything more (Luke 17:15-16 illustrates the same thankful posture).

• This sacrifice also sealed Hannah’s vow (1 Samuel 1:11). In Scripture a vow is completed with an offering (Numbers 30:2; Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). By keeping her word, Hannah models integrity in worship.

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they brought the boy to Eli

• Immediately after the sacrifice, Hannah “brought the boy to Eli”. Obedience follows worship; no delay exists between promise and performance (Genesis 22:3 shows Abraham’s similar haste).

• Eli, as high priest at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:9), represents the LORD’s authority. Presenting Samuel to him fulfills the literal vow to “give him to the LORD all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 1:22, 28).

• The handover places Samuel in a setting where he will “grow up in the presence of the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:21) and foreshadows his prophetic ministry (1 Samuel 3:19-20).

• Parallels reinforce the pattern:

– Samson was also dedicated before birth (Judges 13:5).

– Joash was raised under Jehoiada the priest (2 Chronicles 24:1-3).

– Centuries later, Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple (Luke 2:22-23).

• By trusting Samuel to God’s care, Hannah exemplifies true surrender—recognizing that children are the LORD’s gift and stewardship (Psalm 127:3).

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summary

Hannah and Elkanah’s literal sacrifice of their most prized bull demonstrates wholehearted gratitude and reverence. Immediately afterward, they fulfill Hannah’s vow by entrusting young Samuel to Eli’s oversight, placing him in lifelong service to the LORD. The verse highlights faithful worship that moves from costly offering to complete dedication, showing that what God gives, we willingly return for His purposes.