1 Samuel 1
BSB1 Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3 Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD. 4 And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. 6 Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. 7 And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. 8 “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" 9 So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10 In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. 11 And she made a vow, pleading, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head." 12 As Hannah kept on praying before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine!" 15 “No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman oppressed in spirit. I have not had any wine or strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; for all this time I have been praying out of the depth of my anguish and grief." 17 “Go in peace,” Eli replied, “and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him." 18 “May your maidservant find favor with you,” said Hannah. Then she went on her way, and she began eating again, and her face was no longer downcast. 19 The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. 20 So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD." 21 Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, 22 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." 23 “Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.” So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 24 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. 25 And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. 26 “Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27 I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, 28 I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshiped the LORD there.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 1
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from 1 Samuel 1
- Themes from 1 Samuel 1
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 1
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins by introducing Elkanah, a Levite who lived in Ramathaim-zophim, and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah had children, Hannah was barren, and this caused her great distress. Every year, Elkanah would take his family to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to God. On one of these occasions, Hannah poured out her heart to God in prayer, asking for a son and vowing to dedicate him to the Lord's service. The priest Eli, who was watching her, initially thought she was drunk, but when he understood the situation, he blessed her and told her that God would grant her request. In due time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord as promised. The chapter concludes with Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for answering her prayer and providing for her needs.
Context for the Chapter
This chapter is part of the larger narrative of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy in Israel. The chapter sets the stage for the rest of the book, which will explore the reign of King Saul and the rise of King David. In the broader biblical narrative, the story of Hannah and Samuel points forward to the coming of Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate king and savior of God's people.
Heart Application
As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded of the importance of prayer and faith in our lives. We are encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties. We are also challenged to dedicate ourselves and our children to God's service, just as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
This chapter tells the story of Hannah, a woman who prayed to God for a child and was answered. It shows us the importance of prayer and trusting in God's sovereignty. We see that God is a God who hears and answers prayer, and that He is in control of all things. As we read this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's goodness and to dedicate ourselves to His service.
Voices from the Church
“The prayers of the saints are the capital stock of the church, and the dividends are paid in blessings and mercies.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The Lord is a God who hears and answers prayer, and it is through prayer that we can trust in His goodness and sovereignty.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to Elkanah and His Family (1:1-2) — The chapter introduces Elkanah, a Levite who lived in Ramathaim-zophim, and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah.
- Hannah's Prayer and Vow (1:3-18) — Hannah pours out her heart to God in prayer, asking for a son and vowing to dedicate him to the Lord's service.
- Eli's Blessing and Hannah's Conception (1:19-20) — The priest Eli blesses Hannah, and she conceives and gives birth to a son, Samuel.
- Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving (1:21-28) — Hannah dedicates Samuel to the Lord and prays a prayer of thanksgiving and praise to God for answering her prayer.
- Conclusion (1:28) — The chapter concludes with Hannah's prayer and the dedication of Samuel to the Lord's service.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter teaches that God is a God who is in control of all things, and that His plans and purposes are always good. This is seen in the story of Hannah and Samuel, where God answers Hannah's prayer and provides for her needs.
- The Importance of Prayer
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of a believer, as seen in Hannah's fervent prayers to God. We learn that prayer is an essential aspect of the Christian life, and that God hears and answers prayer.
- The Value of Faith
- Hannah's faith and trust in God's power to answer her prayers are a key aspect of the chapter. We learn that faith is essential for the Christian life, and that it is through faith that we can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
- The Concept of Worship
- The chapter highlights the importance of worship and offering sacrifices to God, as seen in Elkanah's annual trips to Shiloh with his family. We learn that worship is an essential aspect of the Christian life, and that it is through worship that we can express our gratitude and praise to God.
Lessons from 1 Samuel 1
- The Power of Prayer — The chapter teaches us that prayer is an essential aspect of the Christian life, and that God hears and answers prayer.
- The Sovereignty of God — The story of Hannah and Samuel demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties.
- The Importance of Faith — Hannah's faith and trust in God's power to answer her prayers are a key aspect of the chapter, and we learn that faith is essential for the Christian life.
- The Value of Worship — The chapter highlights the importance of worship and offering sacrifices to God, as seen in Elkanah's annual trips to Shiloh with his family.
- The Concept of Providence — The story of Hannah and Samuel teaches us that God is a God who is in control of all things, and that His plans and purposes are always good.
Themes from 1 Samuel 1
- Prayer and Faith — The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer and faith in the life of a believer, as seen in Hannah's fervent prayers to God and her trust in God's power to answer her prayers.
- The Sovereignty of God — The story of Hannah and Samuel demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties.
- Worship and Sacrifice — The chapter highlights the importance of worship and offering sacrifices to God, as seen in Elkanah's annual trips to Shiloh with his family.
- The Concept of Providence — The story of Hannah and Samuel teaches us that God is a God who is in control of all things, and that His plans and purposes are always good.
- The Importance of Trusting in God — The chapter encourages us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, as seen in Hannah's example.
Questions for Meditation
- What can we learn from Hannah's example about the importance of prayer in our lives?
- How does the story of Hannah and Samuel demonstrate God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people?
- What role does faith play in the story of Hannah and Samuel, and how can we apply this to our own lives?
- What can we learn from Elkanah's example about the importance of worship and offering sacrifices to God?
- How does the chapter encourage us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to Elkanah and His Family (1:1-2)
| 1:1 | The chapter introduces Elkanah, a Levite who lived in Ramathaim-zophim, and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. |
| 1:2 | The verse explains that Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren, and this caused her great distress. |
2. Hannah's Prayer and Vow (1:3-18)
| 1:3 | The verse explains that Elkanah would take his family to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to God every year. |
| 1:4 | The verse explains that when they would go to Shiloh, Elkanah would give portions of the meat to Peninnah and her sons, but he would give a double portion to Hannah because he loved her. |
| 1:5 | The verse explains that the Lord had closed Hannah's womb, and this caused her great distress. |
| 1:6 | The verse explains that Peninnah would provoke Hannah and make her feel bad about her barrenness, which caused Hannah to weep and not eat. |
| 1:7 | The verse explains that this would happen year after year, and Hannah would weep and not eat because of her barrenness. |
| 1:8 | The verse explains that Elkanah would try to comfort Hannah and tell her that he loved her, but Hannah would not be comforted. |
| 1:9 | The verse explains that one day, after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up and prayed to God. |
| 1:10 | The verse explains that Hannah was deeply distressed and wept bitterly as she prayed to God. |
| 1:11 | The verse explains that Hannah made a vow to God, promising to dedicate her son to the Lord's service if God would give her a son. |
| 1:12 | The verse explains that as Hannah prayed, Eli the priest was watching her, and he thought she was drunk because her lips were moving but she was not speaking out loud. |
| 1:13 | The verse explains that Hannah told Eli that she was not drunk, but she was pouring out her heart to God because of her great distress. |
| 1:14 | The verse explains that Eli blessed Hannah and told her that God would grant her petition. |
| 1:15 | The verse explains that Hannah's face was no longer sad after Eli blessed her, and she went back to her quarters. |
| 1:16 | The verse explains that Elkanah and his family rose early in the morning and worshiped before God, and then they returned to their home in Ramah. |
| 1:17 | The verse explains that Elkanah knew Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. |
| 1:18 | The verse explains that Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son, and she named him Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the Lord." |
3. Eli's Blessing and Hannah's Conception (1:19-20)
| 1:19 | The verse explains that they rose early in the morning and worshiped before God, and then they returned to their home in Ramah. |
| 1:20 | The verse explains that Elkanah knew Hannah, and the Lord remembered her, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. |
4. Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving (1:21-28)
| 1:21 | The verse explains that the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. |
| 1:22 | The verse explains that Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, "I will not go up until the child is weaned; then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord and dwell there forever." |
| 1:23 | The verse explains that Elkanah her husband said to her, "Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him; only, may the Lord establish His word." So the woman stayed and nursed her son until she weaned him. |
| 1:24 | The verse explains that when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. |
| 1:25 | The verse explains that they slaughtered the bull and brought the child to Eli. |
| 1:26 | The verse explains that she said, "Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. |
| 1:27 | The verse explains that for this child I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. |
| 1:28 | The verse explains that therefore I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshiped the Lord there. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main theme of 1 Samuel 1?
The main theme of 1 Samuel 1 is the power of prayer and the providence of God in the lives of His people, as seen in the story of Hannah and Samuel (1 Samuel 1:27).
Who is Hannah and what is her story?
Hannah is a woman who is introduced in 1 Samuel 1 as the wife of Elkanah, a Levite. She is barren and prays to God for a child, vowing to dedicate her son to the Lord's service if God answers her prayer (1 Samuel 1:11).
What is the significance of Samuel in the story?
Samuel is the son that Hannah prays for and dedicates to the Lord's service. He will go on to become a prophet and play a key role in the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy in Israel (1 Samuel 1:28).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Samuel 1:11 → Psalm 127:3 | The concept of children being a gift from God is also seen in Psalm 127:3, which says, "Behold, children are a gift of the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward." |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 1:17 → Genesis 30:22 | The idea of God remembering someone and answering their prayer is also seen in Genesis 30:22, which says, "Then God remembered Rachel, and God gave heed to her and opened her womb." |
| 3 | 1 Samuel 1:20 → Genesis 21:6 | The concept of naming a child and giving them a significant name is also seen in Genesis 21:6, which says, "And Sarah said, 'God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me.'" |
| 4 | 1 Samuel 1:22 → Exodus 23:14-17 | The idea of making a vow to God and fulfilling it is also seen in Exodus 23:14-17, which says, "Three times a year you shall celebrate a feast to Me." |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 1:24 → Deuteronomy 12:5-7 | The concept of bringing sacrifices to God and worshiping Him is also seen in Deuteronomy 12:5-7, which says, "But you shall seek the Lord your God, in the place where He chooses to establish His name." |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 1:26 → Luke 1:46-55 | The idea of a woman praying and giving thanks to God for answering her prayer is also seen in Luke 1:46-55, which says, "And Mary said: 'My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.'" |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 1:27 → John 1:12-13 | The concept of God answering prayer and giving people what they ask for is also seen in John 1:12-13, which says, "But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.'" |
| 8 | 1 Samuel 1:28 → Hebrews 7:1-3 | The idea of dedicating someone to God's service is also seen in Hebrews 7:1-3, which says, "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace." |
Sermons on 1 Samuel 1
| Sermon | Description | |
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(Forging the Vessel of Recovery) 3- a New Beginning by B.H. Clendennen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for the church to return to the basics of the gospel and not be swayed by tradition or worldly influences. He warns against the dan |
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Prayer in Revival by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself before God and coming to Him with a sense of helplessness and surrender. He shares a story about receivin |
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Pt 5 the Corruption of the Leaven by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the three measures of meal. He explains that the parable represents fellowship with God in service, which can be spoiled by th |
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Praying Men and Women by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living by God's commandments and having a strong prayer life. He highlights the main adversaries that can hinder one's spi |
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How to Recieve God's Deep Burden for Souls by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a burden for souls and the power of prayer. He references a story of two girls who conducted special meetings and sa |
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Ichabod: The Glory Departed by Bakht Singh | In this sermon transcript, the preacher emphasizes that many preachers today are not delivering God's message but their own opinions and worldly philosophies to entertain people. T |
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My Preaching Is Good for Nothing by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of God to transform the lives of those who feel like they are nothing. He encourages the congregation to come forward and worship, |
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(1 Samuel) Blessings to the Barren by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker introduces the book of 1 Samuel and expresses their excitement about studying it. They highlight the authenticity of the Bible compared to movies, novel |
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1 Samuel 1-3 by Keith Daniel | This sermon delves into the story of Hannah and Samuel in 1 Samuel, highlighting various revelations and warnings for believers today. It discusses the importance of knowing the Lo |
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(The Path of the Ark #1) Introduction Hunger by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of absolute certainty and finding satisfaction in knowing the truth. He then introduces four symbols or pictures th |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on 1 Samuel 1
In this chapter, we see the story of Hannah, a woman who prayed fervently to God for a child. We learn that God is a God who hears and answers prayer, and that He is in control of all things. The chapter teaches us about the importance of prayer and faith in the life of a believer, as well as the concept of worship and sacrifice. We also see the theme of God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, as He answers Hannah's prayer and provides for her needs. As we reflect on this chapter, we are reminded to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties, and to dedicate ourselves and our children to His service. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The Power of Prayer
The chapter highlights the power of prayer in the life of a believer, as seen in Hannah's fervent prayers to God. We notice that God is a God who hears and answers prayer, and that prayer is an essential aspect of the Christian life.
The Sovereignty of God
The story of Hannah and Samuel demonstrates God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, even in the midst of difficulties and uncertainties. We observe that God is a God who is in control of all things, and that His plans and purposes are always good.
The Importance of Faith
Hannah's faith and trust in God's power to answer her prayers are a key aspect of the chapter. We notice that faith is essential for the Christian life, and that it is through faith that we can trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.