1 Samuel 2:19

KJV

Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought [it] to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover his mother {H517} made {H6213} him a little {H6996} coat {H4598}, and brought {H5927} it to him from year {H3117} to year {H3117}, when she came up {H5927} with her husband {H376} to offer {H2076} the yearly {H3117} sacrifice {H2077}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Each year his mother would make him a little coat and bring it when she came up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.

Berean Standard Bible

Each year his mother would make him a little robe and bring it to him when she went with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice.

American Standard Version

Moreover his mother made him a little robe, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:19 offers a tender and poignant glimpse into the continued devotion of Hannah, Samuel's mother, who, despite dedicating her son to the Lord's service at Shiloh, faithfully provided for him. Each year, during the family's annual pilgrimage to offer sacrifice, she brought Samuel a new, specially made robe, symbolizing her enduring maternal love, her commitment to her vow, and Samuel's growing role in the tabernacle service. This seemingly small act underscores profound themes of parental care, covenant faithfulness, and the early consecration of a future prophet.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within the larger narrative of Hannah's vow, Samuel's birth, and his dedication to the Lord at Shiloh, as recounted in [1 Samuel 1](/1_samuel/1 "1 Samuel 1 - Hannah's Prayer and Samuel's Birth"). Following Samuel's weaning and his placement under the care of Eli the priest ([1 Samuel 1:24-28](/1_samuel/1-24 "1 Samuel 1:24-28 - Samuel's Dedication")), the text shifts to Hannah's magnificent prayer of praise and prophecy in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-1 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer"). Verse 19 then returns to the practical outworking of Hannah's ongoing relationship with her son, serving as a quiet counterpoint to the escalating wickedness of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, whose depraved conduct is detailed immediately before and after this verse ([1 Samuel 2:12-17](/1_samuel/2-12 "1 Samuel 2:12-17 - The Wickedness of Eli's Sons") and [1 Samuel 2:22-25](/1_samuel/2-22 "1 Samuel 2:22-25 - Eli Rebukes His Sons")). This juxtaposition highlights the stark contrast between faithful devotion and corrupt disobedience within the very house of God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is Shiloh, the central place of worship for Israel before the establishment of the monarchy, where the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant resided. The "yearly sacrifice" refers to the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Weeks, Tabernacles) mandated by the Mosaic Law, during which families would travel to the designated sanctuary to offer sacrifices and worship God (e.g., [Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts")). The act of making and bringing a "little coat" reflects the cultural significance of garments, especially robes, which often indicated status, office, or consecration. For a child, particularly one dedicated to sacred service, such a garment would have been a tangible sign of his unique position and growth. Weaning in ancient Israel could occur relatively late, perhaps around three years old, after which a child might begin more formal training or service, as Samuel did.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Samuel. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **enduring parental love and faithfulness**, as Hannah consistently expresses her devotion to Samuel despite their physical separation, reinforcing the theme of covenant loyalty that undergirds the entire book. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **faithful service from youth**, showcasing Samuel's early dedication and preparation for his prophetic and priestly role, which stands in stark contrast to the unfaithfulness of Eli's adult sons. Thirdly, the "yearly sacrifice" underscores the importance of **consistent adherence to covenant obligations** and communal worship, a practice central to Israel's identity and relationship with God. Finally, the "little coat" serves as a **symbol of Samuel's consecration and divine calling**, foreshadowing his future as a prophet and judge, clothed in the dignity of God's service.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Coat (Hebrew, _me'il'_):** This term refers to a robe or mantle, typically an outer garment of significance. In the Old Testament, the _me'il_ is often associated with dignity, authority, or sacred office. For instance, it was part of the high priest's vestments ([Exodus 28:31](/exodus/28-31 "Exodus 28:31 - The Robe of the Ephod")) and worn by kings ([1 Samuel 24:4](/1_samuel/24-4 "1 Samuel 24:4 - Saul's Robe")) and prophets like Samuel himself later in life ([1 Samuel 15:27](/1_samuel/15-27 "1 Samuel 15:27 - Samuel's Mantle")). The fact that Hannah made a _me'il_ for Samuel, even a "little" one, suggests that she saw him as set apart for a special, dignified role in God's service, beyond that of a mere temple attendant.
* **Little (Hebrew, _qatan'_):** This adjective modifies _me'il_, emphasizing that the robe was sized for a child. While _me'il_ implies dignity, _qatan_ reminds the reader of Samuel's tender age and humble beginnings in service. It highlights the remarkable nature of his early dedication and the divine foresight in his upbringing, preparing him from childhood for a monumental role in Israel's history.
* **From year to year (Hebrew, _mi-yamim yamimah'_):** This idiomatic phrase emphasizes the consistency and regularity of Hannah's actions. It signifies an annual pilgrimage and a repeated act of love and provision. This consistent devotion underscores Hannah's unwavering commitment to her vow and her son's well-being, contrasting sharply with the sporadic and ineffective discipline of Eli towards his own sons.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover his mother made him a little coat":** This clause highlights Hannah's continued, active maternal care. Despite having dedicated Samuel to the Lord and leaving him at Shiloh, her love was not diminished by distance. The act of "making" (Hebrew: _'asah'_) implies personal effort, skill, and affection, as she meticulously crafted a garment suitable for her son's sacred duties, acknowledging his growth and unique calling.
* **"and brought [it] to him from year to year":** This phrase emphasizes the regularity and faithfulness of Hannah's visits and provisions. Her annual pilgrimage was not merely for religious obligation but also a deeply personal act of reconnecting with her son and ensuring his needs were met. The repetition "from year to year" underscores her unwavering commitment and the enduring nature of her love and support for Samuel's consecrated life.
* **"when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice":** This final clause provides the context for Hannah's visits. It connects her personal act of love to the communal worship of Israel. Her family's consistent participation in the annual pilgrimage demonstrates their covenant faithfulness and their ongoing relationship with God. It was within this framework of corporate worship that Hannah continued to nurture her son, symbolizing the integration of personal devotion with communal religious practice.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the "little coat" acting as a powerful symbol. It represents Hannah's enduring love and provision, Samuel's growth and consecration to God's service, and his unique, dignified status even as a child in the tabernacle. The garment foreshadows his future role as a prophet and judge, clothed in divine authority. **Repetition** is evident in the phrase "from year to year," which emphasizes the consistent, unwavering nature of Hannah's devotion and the family's annual pilgrimage. This repetition highlights faithfulness and perseverance. Furthermore, the verse functions as a subtle **Contrast** to the preceding and following descriptions of Eli's wicked sons. While Eli's sons were abusing their priestly office and bringing disrepute to the tabernacle, a humble child, Samuel, was being faithfully nurtured and prepared for righteous service through the consistent love of his mother. This juxtaposition underscores the divine preference for faithfulness over ritualistic corruption.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 2:19 beautifully illustrates the profound impact of consistent, sacrificial love and parental faithfulness in nurturing a life dedicated to God. Hannah's annual act of making and bringing a coat for Samuel is a tangible expression of her unwavering commitment to her vow and her son's spiritual well-being. It teaches us that even seemingly small, repetitive acts of devotion and provision can have immense spiritual significance, shaping individuals for their divine calling. This verse also implicitly highlights God's providence, as He ensures Samuel's care and preparation even amidst the moral decay of the priestly line, setting the stage for His future work through this young prophet. It reminds us of the importance of nurturing the next generation in faith and supporting those who serve God, understanding that our consistent care contributes to their growth and effectiveness.

* [Deuteronomy 6:6-7](/deuteronomy/6-6 "Deuteronomy 6:6-7 - Teaching Children the Commands")
* [Proverbs 22:6](/proverbs/22-6 "Proverbs 22:6 - Train Up a Child")
* [Ephesians 6:4](/ephesians/6-4 "Ephesians 6:4 - Fathers and Children")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's consistent act of love in 1 Samuel 2:19 serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of faithful, sacrificial care, particularly within the family unit and for those called to ministry. Her "little coat" was more than just clothing; it was a visible token of her unwavering commitment, a yearly affirmation of Samuel's divine purpose, and a tangible expression of love that transcended physical separation. This challenges us to consider how we, too, can consistently support and encourage those dedicated to God's service, whether they are our children, pastors, missionaries, or fellow believers. Small acts of provision, prayer, or encouragement, consistently offered, can profoundly shape and sustain those on their spiritual journeys. It also calls us to examine our own faithfulness in upholding our commitments to God and to those He has placed in our care, recognizing that true devotion is often demonstrated through persistent, humble acts of love over time, rather than grand, infrequent gestures.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hannah's consistent act of love challenge my understanding of what it means to support those in ministry or dedicated to God's service?**
* **What "little coats" (i.e., consistent, tangible expressions of love and support) can I offer to those around me, especially within my family or spiritual community?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate more "from year to year" faithfulness and consistency, both in my relationship with God and in my care for others?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the "little coat" Hannah made for Samuel?**

Answer: The "little coat" (Hebrew: _me'il qatan_) was highly significant. The term _me'il_ refers to a robe or mantle, a garment often associated with dignity, authority, or sacred office in ancient Israel. For example, the high priest wore a _me'il_ as part of his vestments ([Exodus 28:31](/exodus/28-31 "Exodus 28:31 - The Robe of the Ephod")), and prophets like Samuel himself later wore such a garment ([1 Samuel 15:27](/1_samuel/15-27 "1 Samuel 15:27 - Samuel's Mantle")). By making a _me'il_ for Samuel, even a small one, Hannah was not merely providing clothing; she was acknowledging and affirming his unique, consecrated status as one dedicated to the Lord's service. It symbolized his growth, his preparation for a significant role, and the dignity of his early service within the tabernacle, setting him apart from ordinary children and even contrasting him with the corrupt sons of Eli.

**Why did Hannah bring the coat "from year to year"?**

Answer: The phrase "from year to year" (Hebrew: _mi-yamim yamimah_) emphasizes the consistent and regular nature of Hannah's devotion. It indicates that she and her husband made an annual pilgrimage to Shiloh to offer the yearly sacrifice, as was customary for faithful Israelites ([Deuteronomy 16:16](/deuteronomy/16-16 "Deuteronomy 16:16 - Three Annual Feasts")). Each year, she would bring a new coat, likely because Samuel was growing, but also as a renewed tangible expression of her enduring love, her fulfillment of her vow to God, and her ongoing commitment to her son's well-being and spiritual development. This consistent act highlights her unwavering faithfulness and contrasts with the moral decay occurring within Eli's household, underscoring the importance of persistent, humble acts of devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
1 Samuel 2:19, while a beautiful testament to maternal love and faithful dedication, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Samuel was uniquely set apart from birth and clothed for service in the earthly tabernacle, so too was Jesus, the true and greater Samuel, consecrated from eternity to fulfill God's redemptive plan. The "little coat" made by Hannah for Samuel foreshadows the perfect righteousness and priestly garments that Christ Himself would wear and, more importantly, provide for His people. Unlike the temporary service of Samuel in a fading tabernacle, Jesus is the eternal High Priest, who entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, not with a garment made by human hands, but with His own perfect obedience and sacrificial blood ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). His "coat" of righteousness, woven through His sinless life and atoning death, is offered to all who believe, clothing them in His perfect standing before God ([Isaiah 61:10](/isaiah/61-10 "Isaiah 61:10 - Garments of Salvation"); [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Hannah's consistent love, expressed yearly, points to the Father's eternal and unwavering love for His Son, and through Him, for His children. Jesus, as the ultimate Son dedicated to God, perfectly fulfilled His Father's will, becoming the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), providing a spiritual covering far greater and more enduring than any earthly garment.

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.

1 Samuel 1:21

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

Exodus 23:14

Three times thou shalt keep a feast unto me in the year.