What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 2:20? And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife • The priest’s blessing is continually repeated each year when Elkanah’s family comes to Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:3). • A priestly blessing carries weight because Eli represents the covenant mediation between God and His people, echoing Numbers 6:23-27 where Aaron’s sons are told to “bless the Israelites.” • The scene highlights how God often uses spiritual authority to confirm His promises. Compare Genesis 14:18-20, where Melchizedek blesses Abram, and Hebrews 7:7, “the lesser is blessed by the greater.” • The durability of Eli’s blessing reminds us that God’s favor is not a one-time event but can be spoken over us repeatedly as we walk in obedience. saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman • Eli prays specifically for more children through Hannah, the very woman once barren (1 Samuel 1:5-6). This faith-filled request rests on God’s proven power to open wombs, seen earlier with Sarah (Genesis 21:1-2) and Rachel (Genesis 30:22-24). • The wording “give you children” underscores that children are gifts, not human achievements (Psalm 127:3-5). • Eli’s blessing also acknowledges the marital covenant: God’s provision flows within the marriage of Elkanah and Hannah, reflecting the creation pattern of Genesis 1:28—“Be fruitful and multiply.” in place of the one she dedicated to the LORD.” • “The one” refers to Samuel, whom Hannah had vowed to the LORD (1 Samuel 1:11, 27-28). By giving up her firstborn, Hannah activated a principle echoed in Luke 6:38—“Give, and it will be given to you.” • The idea of replacement shows God’s generosity: when we surrender something precious, He is able to restore abundantly (Job 42:10; Mark 10:29-30). • God soon fulfills Eli’s prayer, granting Hannah three more sons and two daughters (1 Samuel 2:21). This reinforces the literal reliability of Scripture promises (Psalm 119:160). Then they would go home. • After worship and blessing, the family returns to the rhythm of ordinary life, illustrating that God’s work often unfolds between annual pilgrimages, in day-to-day faithfulness (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Their obedience in returning yearly (1 Samuel 1:21) models a life balanced between sanctuary and stewardship. • The phrase hints at peace and closure—having done what God required, they rest in expectation, much like Mary after Gabriel’s announcement: “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). summary Eli’s recurring priestly blessing over Elkanah and Hannah affirms that God delights to reward sacrificial obedience with fresh gifts. The verse shows: • Blessing flows through God-ordained authority. • Children are divine gifts granted in response to faith. • God replaces what is surrendered with greater abundance. • Everyday faithfulness positions us to receive ongoing fulfillment of His promises. |
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