1 Samuel 1:21

KJV

And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the man {H376} Elkanah {H511}, and all his house {H1004}, went up {H5927} to offer {H2076} unto the LORD {H3068} the yearly {H3117} sacrifice {H2077}, and his vow {H5088}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The husband, Elkanah, went up with all his household to offer the yearly sacrifice to ADONAI and fulfill his vow.

Berean Standard Bible

Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow,

American Standard Version

And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto Jehovah the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 1:21 introduces Elkanah, the father of the future prophet Samuel, as a man of consistent piety and faithfulness, demonstrating his devotion by annually journeying with his entire household to Shiloh to offer the prescribed yearly sacrifice to the LORD and fulfill personal vows. This verse establishes a foundational understanding of Elkanah's character and the family's adherence to the Mosaic covenant, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative of Hannah's barrenness, her fervent prayer, and the miraculous birth and dedication of Samuel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the opening chapter of 1 Samuel, which introduces the family of Elkanah, his two wives (Hannah and Peninnah), and Hannah's deep distress over her barrenness. Verses [1 Samuel 1:1-8](/1_samuel/1-1 "1 Samuel 1:1-8 - Introduction to Elkanah's Family and Hannah's Distress") establish the domestic scene, highlighting Peninnah's provocation of Hannah and Elkanah's attempts to comfort her. Verse 21 specifically follows the description of Elkanah's regular pilgrimage to Shiloh (mentioned in [1 Samuel 1:3](/1_samuel/1-3 "1 Samuel 1:3 - Elkanah's Annual Pilgrimage to Shiloh")) and precedes Hannah's profound vow and subsequent prayer at the tabernacle ([1 Samuel 1:9-11](/1_samuel/1-9 "1 Samuel 1:9-11 - Hannah's Prayer and Vow")). Thus, verse 21 reinforces the consistent religious practice that frames Hannah's individual spiritual journey and provides the backdrop for the dramatic events that follow, emphasizing the family's engagement with the central worship site.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of 1 Samuel occur during the period of the Judges, a time characterized by moral and spiritual decline, as famously summarized by the phrase, "everyone did what was right in his own eyes" ([Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in His Own Eyes")). Shiloh served as the primary religious center for Israel during this era, housing the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant, and was the place where the high priest ministered. The "yearly sacrifice" refers to the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, Booths) where all Israelite males were commanded to appear before the LORD ([Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - The Three Annual Feasts")). Elkanah's adherence to this practice, bringing his entire household, reflects a commitment to Mosaic Law and a corporate worship ethic that stood in contrast to the broader spiritual malaise of the time. The concept of a "vow" (Hebrew: _neder_) was also deeply ingrained in Israelite culture, signifying a solemn promise made to God, often in exchange for a specific blessing or deliverance, and was legally binding ([Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Law of Vows")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within 1 Samuel and the broader Old Testament narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Faithful Obedience and Piety**, exemplified by Elkanah's consistent adherence to the LORD's commands despite the general spiritual decline. His actions highlight the importance of personal and familial devotion to God's covenant. Secondly, the mention of "his vow" introduces the theme of **Vows and Divine Response**, which becomes profoundly significant with Hannah's vow in [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for a Son") and its subsequent fulfillment. Elkanah's vow sets a precedent for the gravity and expectation surrounding such promises. Thirdly, the annual pilgrimage to Shiloh reinforces the **Centrality of Corporate Worship and the Tabernacle** as the focal point of Israelite religious life, even amidst the corruption of the priesthood (as seen later with Eli's sons in [1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons")). This consistent practice underscores the enduring importance of seeking God in His designated place of worship.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Yearly sacrifice (Hebrew, _zevach hayyamim'_):** This phrase literally translates to "sacrifice of the days" or "sacrifice of the years." It denotes a regular, annual offering, distinguishing it from one-time or occasional sacrifices. This emphasizes the consistent, calendrical nature of Elkanah's devotion and the Israelite pilgrimage festivals. It signifies a commitment that is not merely reactive but deeply embedded in the rhythm of life and covenant observance.
* **His vow (Hebrew, _nidro'_):** The term _neder_ (vow) refers to a solemn promise or pledge made to God, often contingent upon a divine act or as an expression of devotion. Unlike a spontaneous offering, a vow carried significant legal and spiritual weight in ancient Israel ([Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - Laws Concerning Vows")). The inclusion of "his vow" alongside the "yearly sacrifice" indicates Elkanah's personal, perhaps extraordinary, commitment to the LORD beyond the communal obligations, foreshadowing the pivotal vow made by Hannah later in the chapter.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up":** This clause establishes Elkanah as the head of his household, responsible for leading his family in spiritual matters. The phrase "went up" (Hebrew: _ya'al_) is a common idiom for traveling to Jerusalem or, in this case, Shiloh, which was geographically higher or considered spiritually elevated as the center of worship. The inclusion of "all his house" highlights a corporate, familial devotion, not just an individual act.
* **"to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice":** This specifies the purpose of their journey: to present the annual offerings mandated by the Mosaic Law. This was a communal act of worship, thanksgiving, and atonement, demonstrating their covenant relationship with God. It signifies their participation in the national religious life of Israel.
* **"and his vow":** This final phrase adds a layer of personal commitment. Beyond the obligatory yearly sacrifice, Elkanah had a personal vow to fulfill. While the specific nature of this vow is not detailed, its mention underscores Elkanah's individual piety and faithfulness, setting a precedent for the importance of vows within the narrative, especially in light of Hannah's subsequent vow concerning Samuel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Characterization** is evident, as Elkanah is portrayed as a devout and responsible patriarch, faithfully leading his family in worship. His consistent actions, particularly the annual pilgrimage and the fulfillment of a personal vow, establish him as a man of integrity and piety, contrasting with the spiritual laxity prevalent in the era of the Judges. **Foreshadowing** is also present with the mention of "his vow." This subtly prepares the reader for the more prominent and impactful vow that Hannah will make concerning her barrenness and the dedication of her future son, Samuel, to the LORD. The repetition of the annual pilgrimage, implied by "yearly sacrifice," also functions as **Repetition** of a motif, emphasizing the established rhythm of their religious life and highlighting Elkanah's steadfastness. The detail of "all his house" going up suggests **Synecdoche**, where the part (Elkanah) represents the whole (the family's collective spiritual participation).

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 1:21 powerfully illustrates the theological significance of consistent, corporate worship and the sanctity of personal vows within the covenant relationship with God. Elkanah's actions reflect an understanding that true faith is not merely a private affair but involves communal participation and adherence to divine commands. This commitment to the LORD, even amidst the spiritual decline of the Judges period, serves as a beacon of faithfulness. It underscores the principle that God honors those who honor Him, setting the stage for His divine intervention in Hannah's life. The verse also highlights the importance of integrity in keeping promises made to God, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's expectation of faithfulness from His people.

* [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - The Three Annual Feasts")
* [Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Binding Nature of Vows")
* [Psalm 66:13-14](/psalm/66-13 "Psalm 66:13-14 - Fulfilling Vows to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elkanah's consistent journey to Shiloh, bringing his entire household to offer the yearly sacrifice and fulfill his vow, offers a profound model for contemporary believers. It reminds us that spiritual discipline is not a sporadic act but a sustained commitment, a regular rhythm woven into the fabric of our lives and families. In a world often characterized by spiritual apathy or transactional faith, Elkanah's example calls us to prioritize corporate worship, to faithfully engage with God's presence among His people, and to lead our households in devotion. It challenges us to examine the integrity of our own commitments to God—are we diligent in fulfilling the vows we make, whether explicit or implicit, in our walk with Him? This verse encourages us to cultivate a faith that is both deeply personal and robustly communal, demonstrating our love for God through consistent obedience and heartfelt worship, recognizing that true devotion is often found in the steadfast, ordinary acts of faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Elkanah's consistent devotion challenge my own spiritual disciplines and priorities?**
* **In what ways can I better lead my household (or those under my influence) in corporate worship and spiritual practices?**
* **What vows or commitments have I made to God, and am I diligently working to fulfill them?**
* **How can I cultivate a more consistent and intentional rhythm of worship in my life, beyond just moments of crisis or special need?**

### FAQ

**What was the "yearly sacrifice" that Elkanah offered?**

Answer: The "yearly sacrifice" refers to the annual pilgrimage festivals prescribed by Mosaic Law, where all Israelite males were required to appear before the LORD at the central sanctuary (Shiloh, in this period). These included Passover, the Feast of Weeks (Pentecost), and the Feast of Booths (Tabernacles). During these festivals, various sacrifices were offered, including burnt offerings, peace offerings, and fellowship offerings, as acts of worship, thanksgiving, and atonement. Elkanah's participation, bringing his entire household, indicates his faithful adherence to these communal obligations, as commanded in [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - The Three Annual Feasts").

**What is the significance of "his vow" being mentioned alongside the yearly sacrifice?**

Answer: The mention of "his vow" (Hebrew: _neder_) indicates a personal, solemn promise Elkanah made to God, distinct from the communal, obligatory yearly sacrifice. Vows in ancient Israel were serious commitments, often made in times of distress or as expressions of deep devotion, and were expected to be fulfilled ([Numbers 30:2](/numbers/30-2 "Numbers 30:2 - The Law of Vows")). While the specific nature of Elkanah's vow is not detailed, its inclusion highlights his individual piety and foreshadows the pivotal vow Hannah makes later in the chapter regarding Samuel ([1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow for a Son")), setting a thematic precedent for the importance of promises made to God in the narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elkanah's consistent pilgrimage to Shiloh, offering yearly sacrifices and fulfilling his vows, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect worship offered in Jesus Christ. The "yearly sacrifice" points to the temporary and repetitive nature of Old Covenant sacrifices, which could never fully take away sin ([Hebrews 10:1-4](/hebrews/10-1 "Hebrews 10:1-4 - The Inadequacy of Old Covenant Sacrifices")). Christ, however, offered Himself "once for all" as the perfect and final sacrifice, fulfilling every requirement of the Law and making true atonement for sin ([Hebrews 9:26-28](/hebrews/9-26 "Hebrews 9:26-28 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice")). Furthermore, Elkanah's personal "vow" speaks to a human attempt to commit to God, but Christ embodies the ultimate fulfillment of God's own vow to redeem humanity. Our worship is no longer tied to a physical pilgrimage or a specific earthly tabernacle like Shiloh, but is now spiritual and true, offered "in spirit and truth" through Christ, who is our true temple and access to God ([John 4:23-24](/john/4-23 "John 4:23-24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth"); [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Access to God Through Christ")). In Christ, all our vows of faith are made possible and are perfected, as He is the faithful and true witness ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Christ, the Faithful and True Witness")), enabling us to live lives of consistent devotion, not by our own strength, but by His indwelling Spirit.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 1:3

And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, [were] there.

Deuteronomy 12:11

Then there shall be a place which the LORD your God shall choose to cause his name to dwell there; thither shall ye bring all that I command you; your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, your tithes, and the heave offering of your hand, and all your choice vows which ye vow unto the LORD:

Joshua 24:15

¶ And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that [were] on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Genesis 18:19

For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.

Psalms 101:2

I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when wilt thou come unto me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart.