1 Samuel 1:24

And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child [was] young.

And when she had weaned {H1580} him, she took him up {H5927} with her, with three {H7969} bullocks {H6499}, and one {H259} ephah {H374} of flour {H7058}, and a bottle {H5035} of wine {H3196}, and brought {H935} him unto the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068} in Shiloh {H7887}: and the child {H5288} was young {H5288}.

After weaning him, she took him up with her, along with three young bulls, a bushel of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of ADONAI in Shiloh, even though he was just a child.

Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. Though the boy was still young, she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh.

And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of Jehovah in Shiloh: and the child was young.

Commentary

1 Samuel 1:24 (KJV): "And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child [was] young."

Context

This verse describes the pivotal moment when Hannah fulfills the solemn vow she made to God in her distress. Having prayed earnestly for a son and promising to dedicate him to the Lord's service all his life, God answered her prayer with the birth of Samuel. According to ancient custom, children were typically weaned around the age of two or three. Once Samuel reached this stage, Hannah, despite the emotional difficulty, prepared to honor her promise by taking the young child to the tabernacle in Shiloh, where Eli the priest served. This journey marked a significant transition for both Hannah and Samuel.

Key Themes

  • Fulfilling Vows: The primary theme is Hannah's faithfulness in keeping her promise to God, demonstrating integrity and devotion. This act is a powerful example of honoring commitments made in faith.
  • Dedication to God: Hannah's offering of Samuel represents a complete dedication of her most precious gift back to the Giver. It highlights the theme of consecration and service to the Lord from a young age.
  • Sacrifice: The journey involved a significant sacrifice, not just of her son, but also the provision of animals and supplies for the offering, indicating the seriousness and cost of her commitment. The offering included resources typically used in sacrificial worship, signifying a proper and respectful approach to God's house.
  • Shiloh and Worship: The destination, Shiloh, was the central place of worship for Israel at the time, housing the tabernacle. Bringing Samuel there signifies bringing him into the very heart of Israelite religious life and service.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "when she had weaned him" (Hebrew: גָּמַל, gamal) refers to the completion of the nursing period. This wasn't just stopping breastfeeding but marked a transition point when a child was considered old enough to begin more independent life, typically around 2-3 years old. The offering of "three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine" was a substantial sacrifice, exceeding the requirements for a standard burnt offering or peace offering, underscoring the magnitude and importance of Hannah's dedication of Samuel. An ephah was a significant measure of dry volume, roughly equivalent to 3/5 of a bushel.

Reflection and Application

Hannah's actions in 1 Samuel 1:24 provide timeless lessons. Her unwavering commitment reminds us of the importance of keeping our promises, especially those made to God. Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel, parents are called to train up their children in the way they should go, fostering their spiritual growth and encouraging their service to the Lord. This verse also speaks to the nature of true sacrifice – giving our best and most valued possessions (whether time, talent, or even people we love) back to God, trusting in His purposes. Hannah's journey to Shiloh with a young child and a generous offering exemplifies a profound act of faith and worship, a model for approaching God with sincerity and devotion.

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Cross-References

  • Numbers 15:9 (7 votes)

    Then shall he bring with a bullock a meat offering of three tenth deals of flour mingled with half an hin of oil.

  • Numbers 15:10 (7 votes)

    And thou shalt bring for a drink offering half an hin of wine, [for] an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

  • Joshua 18:1 (6 votes)

    ¶ And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

  • 1 Samuel 4:3 (6 votes)

    And when the people were come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the LORD smitten us to day before the Philistines? Let us fetch the ark of the covenant of the LORD out of Shiloh unto us, that, when it cometh among us, it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.

  • 1 Samuel 4:4 (6 votes)

    So the people sent to Shiloh, that they might bring from thence the ark of the covenant of the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth [between] the cherubims: and the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, [were] there with the ark of the covenant of God.

  • Deuteronomy 12:5 (5 votes)

    ¶ But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, [even] unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:

  • Deuteronomy 12:6 (5 votes)

    And thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: