1 Samuel 1

1 Samuel 1:1

I. SAMUEL’S MINISTRY UNTIL THE ANOINTING OF SAUL (Chaps. 19) A. Samuel’s Birth and Childhood (Chap. 1)1:1-10 First Samuel opens by introducing us to Elkanah and his two wives, Hannah (grace) and Peninnah (pearl). He was a Levite from Ramathaim Zophim in Ephraim; hence the designation Ephraimite in verse 1 (cf. 1Ch_6:22-28). As a faithful historical record, the Bible notes the practice of polygamy but never approves it. As was the case with Leah and Rachel, one wife was fruitful while the other was barren. This caused rivalry in the the home because, although Hannah was childless, she was more loved by her husband.

When the family traveled to Shiloh . . . yearly to celebrate one of the feasts, Hannah would receive a double portion of the peace offering (vv. 3-5). But this drew forth stinging taunts from Peninnah. Year after year her barbs cut deeper and deeper, until finally, in desperation, Hannah took the matter before the LORD at the tabernacle. 1:11-18 Hannah vowed that if God would give her a male child, she would give him back to the LORD. He would be a Nazirite from birth. Bishop Hall counsels: The way to obtain any benefit is to devote it in our hearts to the glory of that God of whom we ask it; by this means shall God both please his servant and honor Himself. The old priest, Eli, saw Hannah’s lips moving and supposed her to be drunk. But as soon as she had explained her actions, he perceived her seriousness, blessed her, and sent her on her way in peace. Hannah was concerned about her physical barrenness. We should mourn our spiritual barrenness. 1:19-28 When Hannah’s prayer was answered, she named her baby Samuel (heard of God), because he was “asked . . . from the LORD.” When Samuel was weaned, she took him . . . to the house of the LORD and lent him to the LORD in a once-for-all act of dedication. From the outset the boy assisted the priests and ministered before the Lord. The last phrase in verse 28 includes Samuel: He was a worshiper, although very young, because his life was devoted to the service of the LORD.