"Do what you think is best," her husband Elkanah replied, "and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word." So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. Do what you think is bestThis phrase reflects Elkanah's trust and respect for Hannah's judgment. In the Hebrew context, the word for "best" (טוֹב, tov) often implies goodness, welfare, or what is pleasing. Elkanah's response is not just a passive agreement but an active endorsement of Hannah's discernment, showing a partnership in their marriage that honors her spiritual insight and maternal instincts. This highlights the biblical principle of mutual respect and support within a marriage, as seen in Ephesians 5:21, where spouses are called to submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. her husband Elkanah replied
Elkanah, whose name means "God has possessed" or "God has created," is portrayed as a supportive and godly husband. His role in this narrative is crucial as he provides the necessary support for Hannah's vow to God. Historically, the husband's approval was significant in fulfilling vows, as seen in Numbers 30:10-15, where a husband's consent could confirm or nullify a wife's vow. Elkanah's reply indicates his spiritual alignment with Hannah's commitment to God. and stay here until you have weaned him
The weaning process in ancient Israel typically lasted until a child was about three years old. This period was crucial for the child's development and bonding with the mother. The Hebrew word for "weaned" (גָּמַל, gamal) also carries the connotation of maturing or ripening. Spiritually, this can be seen as a time of preparation and growth, not just for the child but for Hannah, as she prepares to fulfill her vow to dedicate Samuel to the Lord's service. Only may the LORD confirm His word
This phrase underscores the centrality of God's faithfulness and sovereignty in the narrative. The Hebrew word for "confirm" (קוּם, qum) means to establish or fulfill. Elkanah's statement is a prayerful acknowledgment that it is ultimately God who ensures the fulfillment of His promises. This reflects a deep trust in God's providence, echoing the assurance found in Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is said to accomplish what He desires and achieve the purpose for which it is sent. So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him
Hannah's decision to stay and nurse Samuel is an act of obedience and faithfulness. The act of nursing (יָנַק, yanaq) is not only a physical nurturing but also a spiritual preparation for Samuel's future role as a prophet. This period of nurturing is symbolic of the foundational spiritual training that prepares one for God's calling. Hannah's dedication to her son during this time reflects the biblical principle of training up a child in the way he should go, as seen in Proverbs 22:6. Persons / Places / Events 1. HannahA devout woman who prayed earnestly for a child and vowed to dedicate him to the Lord. Her faith and dedication are central to this passage. 2. ElkanahHannah's husband, who supports her decision to fulfill her vow to the Lord. His response shows his trust in Hannah's judgment and in God's plan. 3. SamuelThe child born to Hannah, who would become a significant prophet and leader in Israel. His early life is marked by his mother's dedication to God. 4. WeaningThe cultural practice of nurturing a child until they are ready to be more independent. In ancient Israel, this could be around three years of age. 5. The LORDThe covenant name of God, Yahweh, who is central to the fulfillment of Hannah's vow and the unfolding of His plan for Israel through Samuel. Teaching Points Faithful Fulfillment of VowsHannah's commitment to her vow teaches us the importance of keeping promises made to God, even when they require personal sacrifice. Supportive RelationshipsElkanah's support of Hannah's decision highlights the importance of mutual respect and encouragement in marriage, especially in spiritual matters. Trust in God's TimingThe process of weaning and waiting for the right time to fulfill her vow shows Hannah's trust in God's timing, encouraging us to be patient and faithful. Parental DedicationHannah's dedication of Samuel to the Lord serves as a model for parents to dedicate their children to God's service, praying for their spiritual growth and guidance. God's SovereigntyElkanah's statement, "Only may the LORD confirm His word," reminds us of God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hannah's faith and dedication challenge us in our own spiritual commitments and vows to God? 2. In what ways can we support our spouses or family members in their spiritual journeys, as Elkanah supported Hannah? 3. What does the process of weaning Samuel teach us about patience and trust in God's timing in our lives? 4. How can we, like Hannah, dedicate our children or loved ones to the Lord in practical ways today? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust in God's sovereignty and timing. How did that experience strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 21:8The weaning of Isaac, which was a significant event in the life of Abraham and Sarah, similar to the weaning of Samuel. Judges 13:7The Nazirite vow concerning Samson, which parallels Hannah's vow for Samuel, showing a pattern of dedication to God from birth. Luke 2:22-24Mary and Joseph's dedication of Jesus at the temple, reflecting the practice of dedicating children to God. People Eli, Elihu, Elkanah, Ephah, Hannah, Hophni, Jeroham, Peninnah, Phinehas, Samuel, Tohu, ZuphPlaces Ramah, Ramathaim-zophim, ShilohTopics Abide, Abideth, Abode, Best, Breast, Confirm, Elkanah, Elka'nah, Establish, Fulfil, Hast, Home, Husband, Milk, Nursed, Seemeth, Seems, Sight, Stay, Stayed, Suck, Suckleth, Tarried, Tarry, Till, Wait, Waited, Waiting, Weaned, Weaning, WhateverDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 1:23 5140 breasts 1 Samuel 1:9-28 5745 women 1 Samuel 1:19-28 8629 worship, times 1 Samuel 1:21-28 7775 prophets, lives Library Of Self-Annihilation
Of Self-Annihilation Supplication and sacrifice are comprehended in prayer, which, according to S. John, is "an incense, the smoke whereof ascendeth unto God;" therefore it is said in the Apocalypse that "unto the Angel was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints'' (Chap. viii. 3). Prayer is the effusion of the heart in the Presence of God: "I have poured out my soul before God" saith the mother of Samuel. (1 Sam. i. 15) The prayer of the wise men at the feet of …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of PrayerPrayer and Sacrifice Explained by the Similitude of a Perfume --Our Annihilation in this Sacrifice --Solidity and Fruitfulness of this Prayer as Set Forth in The
Prayer ought to be both petition and sacrifice. Prayer, according to the testimony of St John, is an incense, whose perfume rises to God. Therefore it is said in the Revelation (chap. viii. 3), that an angel held a censer, which contained the incense of the prayers of saints. Prayer is an outpouring of the heart in the presence of God. "I have poured out my soul before the Lord," said the mother of Samuel (1 Sam. i. 15). Thus the prayers of the Magi at the feet of the infant Jesus in the stable of …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Home Dedication.
"The rose was rich in bloom on Sharon's plain, When a young mother with her first born thence Went up to Zion, for the boy was vowed Unto the Temple-service; by the hand She led him, and her silent soul, the while, Oft as the dewy laughter of his eye Met her sweet serious glance, rejoiced to think That aught so pure, so beautiful, was hers, To bring before her God!" Beautiful thought, and thrice beautiful deed,--fresh from the pure fount of maternal piety! The Hebrew mother consecrating her first-born …
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home John Newton 1Sam 1:10,18
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Hwochow Women's Bible Training School
COURSE OF STUDY FIRST TERM Book of Genesis. Gospel according to St. Luke or St. Mark. Acts of the Apostles, chapters i. to ix. "A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible." Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese Character. Arithmetic. Singing and Memorisation of Hymns. SECOND TERM Book of Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Samuel i. to xvi. The Gospel according to St. John. The Epistle of St James. "A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"--(continued). Reading …
A. Mildred Cable—The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."--Matt. xxvii. 37. The Scripture teaches not only that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and with Him Love, but also that He sheds abroad that Love in our hearts. This shedding abroad does not refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit's Person, for a person can not be shed abroad. He comes, takes possession, and dwells in us; but that which is shed abroad …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible Divers Matters.
I. Beth-cerem, Nehemiah 3:14. "The stones, as well of the altar, as of the ascent to the altar, were from the valley of Beth-cerem, which they digged out beneath the barren land. And thence they are wont to bring whole stones, upon which the working iron came not." The fathers of the traditions, treating concerning the blood of women's terms, reckon up five colours of it; among which that, "which is like the water of the earth, out of the valley of Beth-cerem."--Where the Gloss writes thus, "Beth-cerem …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 1:23 NIV1 Samuel 1:23 NLT1 Samuel 1:23 ESV1 Samuel 1:23 NASB1 Samuel 1:23 KJV
1 Samuel 1:23 Commentaries
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