1 Samuel 1:23

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

And Elkanah {H511} her husband {H376} said {H559} unto her, Do {H6213} what seemeth {H5869} thee good {H2896}; tarry {H3427} until thou have weaned {H1580} him; only the LORD {H3068} establish {H6965} his word {H1697}. So the woman {H802} abode {H3427}, and gave her son {H1121} suck {H3243} until she weaned {H1580} him.

Her husband Elkanah answered her, "Do what seems good to you; stay here until you have weaned him. Only may ADONAI bring about what he said." So the woman stayed behind and nursed the child, until she weaned him.

โ€œDo what you think is best,โ€ her husband Elkanah replied, โ€œand stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.โ€ So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.

And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only Jehovah establish his word. So the woman tarried and gave her son suck, until she weaned him.

Commentary

1 Samuel 1:23 marks a significant moment in the narrative of Hannah and Elkanah, showcasing support and anticipation of God's faithfulness regarding the birth and future dedication of Samuel.

Context

This verse follows Hannah's deeply emotional prayer for a son (1 Samuel 1:11) and the Lord's gracious answer with the birth of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20). Hannah had vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord for his entire life. When the time came for Elkanah to go up to Shiloh for the annual sacrifice, Hannah chose to remain home with her newborn, fulfilling her commitment to nurture him until he was old enough to be presented to the Lord. Elkanah's response here demonstrates his full support and understanding of her solemn vow, prioritizing the spiritual commitment over immediate ritual observance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Spousal Support and Partnership: Elkanah's words, "Do what seemeth thee good," highlight his trust in Hannah and his unwavering support for her spiritual commitment. This portrays a healthy and aligned partnership in faith, crucial for fulfilling divine purposes.
  • Fulfillment of Vows: The verse emphasizes the seriousness of Hannah's vow and her intention to fulfill it completely. The delay until weaning was a practical necessity, ensuring the child's well-being before his permanent dedication to the Lord's service, as seen later in 1 Samuel 1:28.
  • God's Faithfulness: Elkanah's phrase, "only the LORD establish his word," is pivotal. It expresses a profound trust that God would confirm or bring to pass His promise concerning Samuel, both in his birth and his future role. This underscores the biblical theme of God's unwavering commitment to His promises and purposes, ensuring His word does not return void.
  • Parental Responsibility: The act of "gave her son suck until she weaned him" highlights the foundational parental role in nurturing and preparing a child, even one destined for special service to God.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "establish his word" comes from the Hebrew root qum (ืงื•ึผื), which means "to rise," "to stand," or "to confirm." In this context, it signifies God bringing His word to pass, confirming His promise, and ensuring its fulfillment. It's an affirmation of divine reliability.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 1:23 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Support in Spiritual Endeavors: It encourages spouses and family members to support one another in their personal vows and commitments to God, fostering an environment where faith can flourish.
  • Integrity in Vows: The verse reminds us of the importance of taking vows to God seriously and diligently working towards their fulfillment, understanding that practical considerations can be part of the process.
  • Trusting God's Plan and Timing: Elkanah's statement reflects a trust that God will "establish his word," reminding us to have faith in God's perfect timing and His ability to bring His plans to fruition, even when there are necessary delays or preparations.
  • Nurturing the Next Generation: It underscores the foundational role of parents in nurturing children, both physically and spiritually, preparing them for whatever path God has for their lives.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Samuel 7:25 (3 votes)

    And now, O LORD God, the word that thou hast spoken concerning thy servant, and concerning his house, establish [it] for ever, and do as thou hast said.

  • Matthew 24:19 (2 votes)

    And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!

  • 1 Samuel 1:17 (2 votes)

    Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant [thee] thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

  • Luke 11:27 (2 votes)

    ยถ And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed [is] the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked.

  • Numbers 30:7 (2 votes)

    And her husband heard [it], and held his peace at her in the day that he heard [it]: then her vows shall stand, and her bonds wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

  • Numbers 30:11 (2 votes)

    And her husband heard [it], and held his peace at her, [and] disallowed her not: then all her vows shall stand, and every bond wherewith she bound her soul shall stand.

  • Genesis 21:7 (2 votes)

    And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born [him] a son in his old age.