Topical Encyclopedia The miraculous birth of Samuel is a significant event in the biblical narrative, highlighting themes of divine intervention, faith, and dedication to God. Samuel, one of the most prominent prophets in the Old Testament, was born to Elkanah and Hannah, a couple residing in the hill country of Ephraim. The account of his birth is found in 1 Samuel 1-2.Hannah's Barrenness and Vow Hannah, the mother of Samuel, was initially barren, a condition that caused her great distress and social reproach. Her husband, Elkanah, had another wife, Peninnah, who bore him children and often provoked Hannah, exacerbating her sorrow. Despite Elkanah's love and attempts to comfort her, Hannah's heart remained heavy with the desire for a child. In her deep anguish, Hannah turned to the Lord in prayer during one of their annual visits to the tabernacle at Shiloh. 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 her willingness to dedicate her son as a Nazirite, a person set apart for God's service. Eli's Blessing and God's Answer As Hannah prayed silently, her lips moved, but her voice was not heard, leading Eli, the priest, to mistakenly think she was drunk. Upon realizing her sincerity, Eli blessed her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:17). Encouraged by Eli's words, Hannah left with renewed hope and faith. In due time, the Lord remembered Hannah, and she conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:20). The name Samuel is understood to mean "heard of God," reflecting Hannah's acknowledgment of God's response to her prayer. Dedication of Samuel True to her vow, once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. She presented him to Eli, declaring, "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). Hannah's act of dedication was a profound expression of her faith and gratitude, as she entrusted her long-awaited son to God's service. Hannah's Song of Praise Following the dedication of Samuel, Hannah offered a prayer of praise, often referred to as Hannah's Song, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. This prayer exalts the Lord's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness, and it foreshadows themes later echoed in the Magnificat of Mary in the New Testament. Hannah's song celebrates God's power to reverse human circumstances, lifting the lowly and humbling the proud. Significance The miraculous birth of Samuel marks the beginning of a new era in Israel's history. Samuel would grow to become a pivotal figure, serving as the last judge of Israel, a prophet, and the anointer of kings, including Saul and David. His life and ministry were deeply rooted in the faith and dedication of his mother, Hannah, whose account continues to inspire believers with its testament to the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 1:7-20And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. Nave's Topical Index Library The Early Years of Jesus Mythical view of the Miraculous Conception. --No Trace of it in ... Importance in Luke's History of the Story of the Birth of Christ On Turning the First Page of the Review which Follows... The Typical Significance of the Scriptures Declare their Divine ... The Gospel Feast The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... The Birth of England's Foreign Missions The New Testament Canon in the First Three Centuries. Second visit to Nazareth - the Mission of the Twelve. Resources Who was Samuel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of Hannah and Samuel? | GotQuestions.org Summary of the Book of 1 Samuel - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org Samuel: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Samuel: A Judge (Leader) of Israel, his Judgment Seat at Beth-El, Gilgal, Mizpeh, and Ramah Samuel: A Prophet of the Israelites Samuel: Anoints David to be King Samuel: Anoints Saul to be King of Israel Samuel: Called up by the Witch of Endor Samuel: Consecrated to God Before his Birth Samuel: Death of; the Lament for Him Samuel: His Integrity As a Judge and Ruler Samuel: His Mother's Song of Thanksgiving Samuel: His Vision Concerning the House of Eli Samuel: Israelites Repent Because of his Reproofs and Warnings Samuel: Makes his Corrupt Sons Judges in Israel Samuel: Ministered in the House of God Samuel: Organizes the Tabernacle Service Samuel: People Desire a King; he Protests Samuel: Renews the Kingdom of Saul Samuel: Reproves Saul; Foretells That his Kingdom Will be Established Samuel: Shelters David While Escaping from Saul Samuel: The Philistines Defeated Through his Intercession and Sacrifices Related Terms |
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