Historically, Israel was on the ropes. The Philistines were growing and becoming stronger because of their modern Greek military technology. They were the first in the region to discover and use iron, and it helped them tremendously in battles. They were closing in on Israel with both their military strength and large numbers.
In addition, sin was running rampant. As we will read in the first several chapters, the priesthood was corrupt, and Samuel’s family was part of the faithful remnant. The beauty of the story here in 1 Samuel 1 is that God is already beginning to prepare and protect his people.
“The First Book of Samuel records the rise of a new political and spiritual order represented by the kings and the prophets. The establishment of the monarchy, with Saul as the first king, is an epochal event in the development of Israel’s national life. Of no less importance is the appearance of the “schools of the prophets” under the leadership of Samuel. In these institutions we see the beginning of the movement which made Israel spiritually supreme among the nations.”
-F.B. Meyer
Samuel was a great man of God with a miraculous birth. His mother, Hannah, was barren and ridiculed for it. At that time, it was much worse for a barren woman because many had the dream that the Messiah would come from her womb. After making a vow to God, and turning to him for comfort, God answers her prayer with a son. Hannah would then turn around and glorify God by naming this boy Samuel, which means “Name of God.”
Hannah’s suffering turned to joy and in her joy, she dedicated her son back to God. This is a model of a Christian life. This is a testimony!