1 Samuel 1:28

KJV

Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore also I have lent {H7592} him to the LORD {H3068}; as long as he liveth {H3117} he shall be lent {H7592} to the LORD {H3068}. And he worshipped {H7812} the LORD {H3068} there.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, I too have loaned him to ADONAI - as long as he lives, he is on loan to ADONAI."And he prostrated himself there before ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

therefore also I have granted him to Jehovah; as long as he liveth he is granted to Jehovah. And he worshipped Jehovah there.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 1:28 marks the profound culmination of Hannah's fervent prayer and solemn vow, as she faithfully brings her young son, Samuel, to the tabernacle at Shiloh. Having received Samuel as a miraculous answer to her petition, Hannah dedicates him to the Lord for lifelong service, demonstrating unwavering integrity and deep faith. The verse captures the moment of this significant offering and the immediate initiation of Samuel's unique, divinely appointed life of worship and service.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climactic fulfillment of Hannah's vow introduced in [1 Samuel 1:11](/1_samuel/1-11 "1 Samuel 1:11 - Hannah's Vow"). After years of barrenness and deep anguish, Hannah poured out her soul to the Lord, promising that if He would grant her a son, she would dedicate him as a Nazirite for his entire life. God answered her prayer, and Samuel was born. Following his birth, Hannah waited until Samuel was weaned, as she declared in [1 Samuel 1:22](/1_samuel/1-22 "1 Samuel 1:22 - Hannah's Promise to Wean Samuel"), before bringing him to the tabernacle. This act, detailed in [1 Samuel 1:24-28](/1_samuel/1-24 "1 Samuel 1:24-28 - Hannah Presents Samuel to Eli"), is a powerful testament to her unwavering faith and commitment, contrasting sharply with the corrupt priesthood of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, which will be revealed later in the book of [1 Samuel](/1_samuel/1 "The Book of 1 Samuel").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, children were typically weaned between the ages of three and five years old, a period when they were no longer dependent on their mother's milk and could begin to eat solid food. The tabernacle, located at Shiloh during this period, served as the central place of worship for the Israelites before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. Vows to God, while not always involving dedication of children, were a significant aspect of Israelite piety, as outlined in passages like [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Law Concerning Vows"). Hannah's dedication of Samuel, though not explicitly a Nazirite vow in the text, bears strong similarities, setting him apart for special service to God from childhood. This act would have been a remarkable and costly sacrifice for a mother, especially after such a long wait for a child.
* **Key Themes:** The primary theme is the **fulfillment of vows** and the **integrity of one's word to God**. Hannah's unwavering commitment to her promise, even when it meant a profound personal sacrifice, underscores the seriousness with which covenants with the Lord were to be upheld. This verse also highlights **divine sovereignty** and **God's faithfulness** in answering prayer, as seen in Samuel's miraculous birth. Furthermore, it introduces the theme of **lifelong dedication** and **service to God**, establishing Samuel's unique role from his earliest years, foreshadowing his future as a prophet, judge, and king-maker, a calling that begins to unfold in [1 Samuel 3](/1_samuel/3 "1 Samuel 3 - The Calling of Samuel"). Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **parental sacrifice and trust**, as Hannah entrusts her most precious gift back to the Giver.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **lent (Hebrew, _sha'al'_):** This verb means "to ask, to borrow, to lend, to request." It is deeply significant here as it directly relates to Samuel's name, _Shemu'el_ (שְׁמוּאֵל), which can be interpreted as "heard of God" (God heard Hannah's prayer) or "asked of God" (Hannah asked God for him). Hannah literally "asked for" (sha'al) a son, and now she "lends" or "returns" him to God as "asked of God." This profound wordplay underscores the divine hand in Samuel's birth and his subsequent dedication as a lifelong servant.
* **worshipped (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** This verb means "to bow down, to prostrate oneself, to do obeisance." It denotes an act of profound reverence, submission, and adoration. While it could refer to Hannah and Elkanah worshipping, the context strongly suggests that Samuel, even as a very young child, was presented in this act of worship, signifying his immediate spiritual posture and the commencement of his devoted life in the presence of the Lord.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD;":** This clause reveals Hannah's rationale and the direct fulfillment of her solemn vow. The "therefore" links back to God's gracious answer to her prayer and the birth of Samuel. Her act is not merely giving, but "lending" or "returning" what was first requested from and given by the Lord, emphasizing God's ultimate ownership and the nature of her covenant.
* **"as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.":** This repetition underscores the lifelong and irrevocable nature of Samuel's dedication. It was not a temporary offering but a permanent commitment of his entire existence to God's service. This phrase highlights the depth of Hannah's vow and the profound sacrifice involved, setting Samuel apart for a unique divine purpose from his earliest days.
* **"And he worshipped the LORD there.":** This final phrase likely refers to Samuel, perhaps with the guidance of his parents, participating in an act of worship. It signifies the immediate spiritual orientation of Samuel's life and the commencement of his service in the tabernacle. This act of worship marks the formal presentation and acceptance of Samuel into the Lord's service, setting the stage for his future role as a prophet and judge.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Wordplay** is central, particularly with the Hebrew word `sha'al` ("lent" or "asked") connecting directly to Samuel's name, `Shemu'el` ("asked of God"). This intricate linguistic link highlights the divine orchestration of Samuel's birth and his subsequent dedication, emphasizing that he is truly a gift "asked for" and "returned" to God. **Repetition** of the phrase "lent to the LORD" (or "given to the LORD" in some translations) serves to emphasize the permanence and totality of Samuel's dedication, reinforcing Hannah's unwavering commitment to her vow. Furthermore, the verse functions as **foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at Samuel's future significance as a key figure in Israel's history, a prophet and judge who would serve the Lord faithfully throughout his life, in stark contrast to the spiritual decline evident in the priestly line of Eli.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 1:28 profoundly illustrates the theological principle of covenant faithfulness and the nature of true worship. Hannah's act is a living sermon on the integrity of promises made to God, demonstrating that genuine faith involves not only asking but also faithfully fulfilling one's commitments, even when they demand immense personal sacrifice. It underscores that God is worthy of our most precious offerings and that true dedication involves surrendering what we hold dearest to His sovereign purposes. This verse also speaks to the concept of God's ownership over all life, reminding us that every gift, especially children, is ultimately from Him and for His glory.

* [Deuteronomy 23:21-23](/deuteronomy/23-21 "Deuteronomy 23:21-23 - The Seriousness of Vows to the Lord")
* [Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Presenting Your Body as a Living Sacrifice")
* [Psalm 116:12-14](/psalms/116-12 "Psalm 116:12-14 - Fulfilling Vows of Thanksgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's profound act of dedication in 1 Samuel 1:28 challenges believers to examine the depth of their own commitment and integrity before God. It prompts us to consider what vows, explicit or implicit, we have made to the Lord and how faithfully we are fulfilling them. Her willingness to surrender her longed-for son for lifelong service in the tabernacle serves as a powerful model of radical trust and sacrificial love. It calls us to reflect on what "precious possessions" or aspects of our lives—be it our time, talents, resources, or even our children—we might be holding back from God's service. True dedication involves releasing our grip on what we cherish most and entrusting it to His perfect will, knowing that His plans are always for our good and His glory. This verse encourages us to live a life of continuous surrender, recognizing that everything we have is a gift from Him, to be used for His purposes, echoing the New Testament call to present ourselves as living sacrifices.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How seriously do I take my promises and commitments, especially those made to God?**
* **What "precious possessions" or areas of my life might God be calling me to surrender more fully to His service?**
* **For parents, how can I actively dedicate my children to God's purposes, trusting Him with their future and spiritual formation?**
* **In what practical ways can I live a life of lifelong dedication and worship to the Lord, mirroring Samuel's early commitment?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Samuel being "lent to the LORD"?**

Answer: The phrase "lent to the LORD" (Hebrew: _sha'al_) carries profound significance, directly connecting to Samuel's name, _Shemu'el_, which means "asked of God." Hannah had "asked" God for a son, and now she was "lending" or "returning" him to the Lord for His service. This act was not merely a temporary loan but a lifelong dedication, signifying that Samuel's entire existence was consecrated to God. It meant he would serve in the tabernacle, under the guidance of the high priest Eli, from his earliest years, setting him apart for a unique divine purpose as a prophet and judge in Israel, as detailed in [1 Samuel 3](/1_samuel/3 "1 Samuel 3 - The Calling of Samuel"). It underscored the fulfillment of Hannah's vow and God's ultimate ownership and purpose for Samuel's life.

**Did Samuel have a choice in this dedication, given he was a young child?**

Answer: As a young child, Samuel did not make a conscious choice regarding his dedication; it was the fulfillment of his mother Hannah's vow to God. However, the narrative of 1 Samuel consistently portrays Samuel's willing and faithful service to the Lord from his youth, beginning with his immediate participation in worship in this verse. His subsequent response to God's call in [1 Samuel 3:10](/1_samuel/3-10 "1 Samuel 3:10 - Samuel's Response to God's Call") ("Speak, for your servant is listening") demonstrates his personal embrace of this consecrated life. While the initial dedication was parental, Samuel's life became a testament to his personal devotion and obedience to God's will.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dedication of Samuel in 1 Samuel 1:28, a son "asked of God" and "lent to the LORD" for lifelong service, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Samuel was given by his mother to serve in an earthly tabernacle, foreshadowing the One who would truly embody the ultimate dedication. Jesus, the Son of God, was not merely "lent" but willingly "gave himself" for the service of God and humanity ([Galatians 1:4](/galatians/1-4 "Galatians 1:4 - Christ Gave Himself")). His entire life, from birth to resurrection, was an unbroken act of perfect obedience and surrender to the Father's will, a dedication far surpassing any human vow ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience unto Death")). While Samuel served in a temporary earthly sanctuary, Christ is the true and eternal High Priest, the very embodiment of God's presence, the temple not made with human hands ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ, Our High Priest")). Hannah's costly sacrifice of her only son for God's service points to God's infinitely greater sacrifice of His unique Son, Jesus, who was "lent" to the world to take away its sin, not for a lifetime of service in a tabernacle, but for an eternal, redemptive work on the cross ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World")). In Christ, we see the perfect realization of lifelong, indeed eternal, dedication to the Lord.

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

Genesis 24:26

And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

Genesis 24:52

And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, [bowing himself] to the earth.

2 Timothy 3:15

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

1 Samuel 1:11

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Genesis 24:48

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son.

1 Samuel 1:22

But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned, and [then] I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.