Hannah fulfills her vow by returning to God what He gave, demonstrating great faith and gratitude.
Hannah’s devotion and faithfulness come through vividly in the moment described when she sets out to fulfill her vow to the LORD. We read, “Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with a three-year-old bull and one ephah of flour and a jug of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh, although the child was young” (1 Sam 1:24). The significance of bringing young Samuel to Shiloh demonstrates the seriousness of Hannah’s promise, made earlier when she prayed for a son (1 Sam 1:11). By including a generous offering—a three-year-old bull, an ample portion of flour, and wine—she showcases a grateful heart. Her obedience in dedicating Samuel to the LORD even though he is still so small teaches a powerful lesson on the value of complete surrender.
The ancient city of Shiloh, located in the hill country of Ephraim (approximately 20 miles north of Jerusalem), was an important center of worship for Israel during the period of the judges, around the 11th century BC. The tabernacle was situated there before the Temple was later built in Jerusalem (Joshua 18:1), making Shiloh a holy site for sacrifices and seeking God’s guidance. Hannah’s trip to Shiloh is not just a family journey; it is a deliberate and holy act of placing her cherished son under the LORD’s care. By trusting in God’s providence, she points forward to the way faithful believers are called to devote to the LORD what is most precious to them (Matthew 6:33).
Samuel, who would grow to become a prophet and a judge over Israel, represents God’s response to Hannah’s earnest prayer (1 Sam 1:19-20). Historically, Samuel bridges the gap between the last of the judges and the beginning of Israel’s monarchy under Saul and David (c. 1050-970 BC), ultimately anointing both kings by divine instruction (1 Sam 10:1; 16:13). Hannah’s act of dedication mirrors the later presentation of Jesus by Mary and Joseph at the temple (Luke 2:22), illustrating the consistent call throughout Scripture to acknowledge God as sovereign over all of life’s blessings.
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1 Samuel 1:24 meaning
Hannah’s devotion and faithfulness come through vividly in the moment described when she sets out to fulfill her vow to the LORD. We read, “Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with a three-year-old bull and one ephah of flour and a jug of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh, although the child was young” (1 Sam 1:24). The significance of bringing young Samuel to Shiloh demonstrates the seriousness of Hannah’s promise, made earlier when she prayed for a son (1 Sam 1:11). By including a generous offering—a three-year-old bull, an ample portion of flour, and wine—she showcases a grateful heart. Her obedience in dedicating Samuel to the LORD even though he is still so small teaches a powerful lesson on the value of complete surrender.
The ancient city of Shiloh, located in the hill country of Ephraim (approximately 20 miles north of Jerusalem), was an important center of worship for Israel during the period of the judges, around the 11th century BC. The tabernacle was situated there before the Temple was later built in Jerusalem (Joshua 18:1), making Shiloh a holy site for sacrifices and seeking God’s guidance. Hannah’s trip to Shiloh is not just a family journey; it is a deliberate and holy act of placing her cherished son under the LORD’s care. By trusting in God’s providence, she points forward to the way faithful believers are called to devote to the LORD what is most precious to them (Matthew 6:33).
Samuel, who would grow to become a prophet and a judge over Israel, represents God’s response to Hannah’s earnest prayer (1 Sam 1:19-20). Historically, Samuel bridges the gap between the last of the judges and the beginning of Israel’s monarchy under Saul and David (c. 1050-970 BC), ultimately anointing both kings by divine instruction (1 Sam 10:1; 16:13). Hannah’s act of dedication mirrors the later presentation of Jesus by Mary and Joseph at the temple (Luke 2:22), illustrating the consistent call throughout Scripture to acknowledge God as sovereign over all of life’s blessings.