Introduction

Hannah's dedication of Samuel is a significant event in the biblical narrative, illustrating themes of faith, prayer, and fulfillment of vows. This event is recorded in the first book of Samuel, chapters 1 and 2, and it marks the beginning of Samuel's life, who would become one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges.

Background

Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. Although Elkanah loved Hannah dearly, she was barren, which caused her great distress, especially in light of the cultural importance of childbearing at the time. Her rival, Peninnah, who had children, would provoke her, exacerbating her sorrow (1 Samuel 1:6-7).

Hannah's Prayer and Vow

In her deep anguish, Hannah prayed to the LORD at the tabernacle in Shiloh, where Eli the priest was serving. She made a solemn vow, saying, "O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head" (1 Samuel 1:11). This vow indicated that her son would be a Nazirite, set apart for God's service.

The Birth of Samuel

God heard Hannah's prayer, and she conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard of God," acknowledging that her petition had been granted (1 Samuel 1:20). True to her vow, Hannah waited until Samuel was weaned before taking him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh to dedicate him to God's service.

Dedication at Shiloh

When Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to Eli, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine as offerings. She reminded Eli of her previous prayer and declared, "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Samuel then began his lifelong service to the LORD under Eli's guidance.

Hannah's Song of Thanksgiving

Following the dedication, Hannah offered a prayer of thanksgiving, often referred to as Hannah's Song, which is recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. This prayer is a profound expression of praise and gratitude, highlighting God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness. It reflects themes of divine reversal, where the humble are exalted, and the proud are brought low, foreshadowing the future works of God in Israel's history.

Significance

Hannah's dedication of Samuel is a testament to her faith and commitment to God. Her account emphasizes the power of prayer and the importance of fulfilling vows made to the LORD. Samuel's life and ministry, which began with this act of dedication, played a crucial role in the transition of Israel from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.