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.

But Hannah {H2584} went not up {H5927}; for she said {H559} unto her husband {H376}, I will not go up until the child {H5288} be weaned {H1580}, and then I will bring {H935} him, that he may appear {H7200} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068}, and there abide {H3427} for {H5704} ever {H5769}.

But Hannah did not go up, explaining to her husband, "Not till the child has been weaned. Then I will bring him, so that he can appear before ADONAI and live there forever."

but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.”

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 Jehovah, and there abide for ever.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:22 (KJV)

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."

Context

This verse occurs during the annual pilgrimage of Elkanah's family to Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was located. Hannah, having been barren for many years, had made a solemn vow to the Lord that if He granted her a son, she would dedicate him to God's service for his entire life. God answered her prayer, and Samuel was born. Now, as her husband Elkanah prepares for the yearly journey, Hannah defers her attendance, explaining her intention to fulfill her promise concerning Samuel.

The practice of "weaning" in ancient Israel typically lasted for an extended period, often two to three years, or even longer, demonstrating Hannah's patience and commitment to raising Samuel to a certain level of independence before entrusting him to the care of the priests at Shiloh.

Key Themes

  • Fulfillment of Vows: Hannah's statement powerfully illustrates her unwavering commitment to the vow she made to the Lord. Despite the joy of finally having a child, she prioritizes her spiritual obligation, showcasing deep faith and integrity.
  • Parental Dedication: This verse highlights the profound act of dedicating a child to God's service. Hannah's love for Samuel did not overshadow her devotion to God; rather, it was expressed through her willingness to give her long-awaited son back to the One who gave him.
  • Lifelong Service to God: The phrase "abide for ever" indicates a permanent, continuous service in the Tabernacle. This was not a temporary offering but a lifelong commitment, signifying Samuel's perpetual role in the Lord's house, which would later be fulfilled under Eli's tutelage (1 Samuel 2:11).
  • Strategic Timing: Hannah's decision to wait until Samuel was weaned shows wisdom. It ensured the child was physically ready for the transition and that her commitment was not impulsive but thoughtful and deliberate.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "abide for ever" translates the Hebrew word 'olam (עוֹלָם), which can mean "forever," "for a long time," or "for a lifetime." In this context, it clearly signifies a permanent, lifelong dedication of Samuel to the service of the Lord at the Tabernacle, rather than an indefinite period of time or immortality.

Practical Application

Hannah's example in 1 Samuel 1:22 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Keeping Our Promises: Just as Hannah was meticulous in fulfilling her vow to God, believers are called to honor their commitments, especially those made in prayer or before the Lord (Ecclesiastes 5:4).
  • Dedication to God: This verse encourages a spirit of dedication, whether of our children, our time, our talents, or our resources, to God's purposes. It reminds us that all we have is ultimately from Him.
  • Patience and Wisdom: Hannah's patient approach to waiting until Samuel was weaned underscores the importance of proper timing and preparation in spiritual matters. Sometimes, waiting on God's timing is crucial for effective service.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 1:11 (6 votes)

    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.

  • 1 Samuel 1:28 (6 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.

  • Luke 2:22 (5 votes)

    And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present [him] to the Lord;

  • 1 Samuel 2:11 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 2:18 (3 votes)

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

  • 1 Samuel 3:1 (3 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.

  • Luke 2:41 (3 votes)

    ¶ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.