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1 Samuel 1

28 verses

TL;DR

Hannah, barren and scorned, fervently prays to God for a child; her son Samuel is born and dedicated to the Lord, marking the beginning of Samuel’s prophetic ministry.

Summary

Elkanah, a man from Ramah, had two wives: Hannah, childless, and Peninnah, who had many children. Hannah’s infertility and Peninnah’s teasing caused Hannah great sorrow, prompting her to weep and refuse food. One year, while worshipping in Shiloh, Hannah made a heartfelt vow to the Lord: if she bore a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord forever. Eli, the high priest, mistakenly thought she was drunk but soon affirmed her prayer. After Hannah’s sincere petition, God granted her request and she gave birth to Samuel. She kept Samuel with her until he was weaned, then brought him to Shiloh with three bullocks, an ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, offering him to the Lord as a dedication. This act establishes Samuel’s lifelong service to God and sets the stage for his future role as prophet.

Outline
  1. Elkanah’s household and Hannah’s infertility
  2. Hannah’s solemn prayer, vow, and God’s response
  3. Samuel’s birth and dedication to the Lord
Themes
faithful supplicationdivine intervention in human distressdedication to God
Keywords
HannahprayervowSamuelEliShilohRamahchildlessdedicationfaith
People
ElkanahHannahPeninnahEliHophniPhinehasSamuelJerohamElihuTohuZuph
Places
Ramah (Ramathaim‑zophim)ShilohMount Ephraim
Things
prayervowchild (Samuel)bullocksephah of flourbottle of winededication
Key Verses
  • 1 Samuel 1:11: Hannah’s earnest vow to give her child to God.
  • 1 Samuel 1:20: The birth of Samuel, fulfilling Hannah’s prayer.
  • 1 Samuel 1:25: Hannah brings Samuel to Eli in Shiloh with offerings.
  • 1 Samuel 1:28: Samuel’s dedication, pledging him to the Lord.
  • 1 Samuel 1:10: Eli’s misinterpretation and subsequent blessing of Hannah’s prayer.
Questions
  • What factors contributed to Hannah’s intense longing for a child?
  • How does Eli’s reaction to Hannah’s prayer illustrate human misunderstanding of divine worship?
  • In what ways does Samuel’s dedication foreshadow his future role?
  • How does the story demonstrate the interplay between human faith and divine promise?
  • What lessons can be drawn about perseverance and commitment in prayer?
Sentiment

mixed
Hannah experiences sorrow and bitterness, yet ultimately joy and fulfillment; overall tone blends struggle with hopeful redemption.