Background and Context:

Hannah, a devout woman from the hill country of Ephraim, is a central figure in the opening chapters of the First Book of Samuel. She is one of two wives of Elkanah, the other being Peninnah. While Peninnah bore children, Hannah remained childless, which was a source of deep personal anguish and societal shame. Her account is set during the time of the judges, a period marked by social and religious upheaval in Israel.

Hannah's Vow:

Hannah's dedication of Samuel to the Lord is rooted in a vow she made during a visit to the tabernacle at Shiloh. In her distress, she prayed fervently to the Lord, promising that if He granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord all the days of his life. This vow is recorded in 1 Samuel 1:11 : "And she made a 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.'"

The Birth of Samuel:

The Lord answered 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. True to her vow, once Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh to fulfill her promise.

Dedication at Shiloh:

Hannah's act of dedication is a profound expression of faith and obedience. In 1 Samuel 1:24-28 , the narrative describes how she brought Samuel to Eli the priest: "Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. 'Please, my lord,' said Hannah, 'as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 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.' So they worshiped the LORD there."

Significance of the Dedication:

Hannah's dedication of Samuel is significant for several reasons. It demonstrates her unwavering faith and trust in God, as well as her willingness to surrender her most precious gift back to the Lord. This act of dedication also sets the stage for Samuel's future role as a prophet, priest, and judge over Israel, marking a pivotal transition in Israel's history from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

Hannah's Song of Praise:

Following the dedication, Hannah offers a song of praise, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, which reflects her deep gratitude and theological insight. Her song exalts the sovereignty and holiness of God, celebrating His power to reverse human fortunes and His faithfulness to His people.

Legacy:

Hannah's account and her dedication of Samuel have been a source of inspiration for countless believers. Her example of prayerful devotion, faithfulness to vows, and willingness to give back to God what He has given, continues to resonate as a model of piety and trust in divine providence.