1 Samuel 2:11

¶ And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

And Elkanah {H511} went {H3212} to Ramah {H7414} to his house {H1004}. And the child {H5288} did {H1961} minister {H8334} unto the LORD {H3068} before {H6440} Eli {H5941} the priest {H3548}.

Elkanah went home to Ramah, while the child began ministering to ADONAI under the direction of 'Eli the cohen.

Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy began ministering to the LORD before Eli the priest.

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto Jehovah before Eli the priest.

Commentary

1 Samuel 2:11 marks a pivotal moment in the early life of Samuel, detailing the immediate consequence of Hannah's profound dedication of her son to the Lord.

Context

This verse follows directly after Hannah has weaned Samuel and brought him to Shiloh, the central place of worship for Israel at the time, where the tabernacle was located. She fulfills her solemn vow made to God for a child, presenting Samuel to Eli the priest for lifelong service. Elkanah, Samuel's father, then returns to his home in Ramah, leaving the young Samuel in the care of Eli at the tabernacle.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Vow: The verse highlights the immediate and faithful fulfillment of Hannah's promise to God. Samuel, though a child, is immediately consecrated to divine service, demonstrating the seriousness and sincerity of his parents' commitment.
  • Early Ministry and Dedication: Samuel's service to the LORD from such a young age underscores his unique calling and the purity of his early devotion. The phrase "the child did minister unto the LORD" emphasizes that even at a tender age, Samuel was engaged in sacred duties, serving God in the tabernacle under Eli's guidance.
  • Contrast with Eli's Sons: This verse subtly sets the stage for a stark contrast. While Samuel, a young boy, faithfully ministers to the Lord, the narrative soon reveals the wickedness and corruption of Eli's own adult sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were also priests but despised the Lord's offerings. This contrast foreshadows God's judgment on Eli's house and Samuel's rise as a righteous prophet and judge.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "minister" is sharath (שָׁרַת), which often refers to serving in a religious or official capacity. It implies dedicated, attentive service, often in the presence of a superior or deity. This term emphasizes the active and intentional nature of Samuel's early service, not merely passive presence, but an active role in the sacred duties of the tabernacle.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Commitment to God: It reminds us of the importance of fulfilling our vows and commitments to God, just as Hannah did.
  • Serving from a Young Age: Samuel's example encourages dedication to God's service regardless of age. It highlights that even children can be instruments in God's hands and that early spiritual formation is vital.
  • Faithfulness in Small Beginnings: Samuel began his remarkable journey as a prophet and judge by faithfully performing seemingly small duties in the tabernacle. It teaches us that faithfulness in humble service is often the foundation for greater responsibilities and blessings, as seen in Samuel's growth in favor with God and men.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; [there was] no open vision.

  • 1 Samuel 2:18 (6 votes)

    But Samuel ministered before the LORD, [being] a child, girded with a linen ephod.

  • 1 Samuel 1:28 (3 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 1:19 (2 votes)

    ¶ And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

  • 1 Samuel 3:15 (2 votes)

    And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision.