The Birth of Samuel
1 There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. He had two wives. The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD. On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the LORD.”
Samuel Given to the Lord
The man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice and to pay his vow. But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, so that he may appear in the presence of the LORD and dwell there forever.” 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 remained and nursed her son until she weaned him. And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. And the child was young. Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. And she said, “Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.”
And he worshiped the LORD there.
(ESV)
1 Samuel 1 Commentary
In 1 Samuel 1, a man named Elkanah from the hill country of Ephraim had two wives: Hannah (who was childless) and Peninnah (who had children). Each year, Elkanah would go to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices to the Lord where Eli’s sons served as priests (1 Samuel 1:1-3). He gave Peninnah and her children portions of the sacrifice but he gave a double portion to Hannah because of his love for her. Peninnah taunted Hannah because of her infertility, causing her great distress (1 Samuel 1:4-7).
Hannah prayed silently at the temple, vowing that if the Lord gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord for his whole life (1 Samuel 1:10-11). Eli, initially thinking she was drunk, later blessed her, and she left with a renewed spirit (1 Samuel 1:12-18). In time, the Lord remembered her prayer, and she bore a son, whom she named Samuel (1 Samuel 1:19-20). After Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to Shiloh with offerings and dedicated him to the LORD, fulfilling her vow (1 Samuel 1:24-28).
The Lord Of Armies
The book of 1 Samuel marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s history as the nation is transitioning from a period of judges (when Israel was led by Spirit-filled leaders) to the establishment of a monarchy. The title “Lord of Armies” or “Lord of Hosts” (1 Samuel 1:3) points to God as the ultimate authority who controls the forces of nature and the military power of Israel. This was particularly important as the nation faced external threats and internal challenges.
The term “LORD of Armies” is a construct phrase in Hebrew, meaning “Yahweh of Hosts” where “Hosts” refers to numerous entities: heavenly bodies, angelic beings, and earthly armies. This term is first used in 1 Samuel 1, marking its introduction in the Bible. It is significant in relation to worship at Shiloh. The phrase likely originated in connection with the sanctuary at Shiloh, emphasizing Yahweh’s sovereignty over both spiritual and earthly realms.
As a prophet and judge, Samuel plays a key role in preparing Israel for the monarchy, anointing Saul and later David as kings. The introduction of “Lord of Armies” aligns with the themes of leadership, divine calling, and the need for God’s intervention in national struggles. The phrase signals the importance of recognizing God’s authority over both spiritual and earthly realms, particularly as Samuel mediates between the people of Israel and God.
Hannah’s Desperation
Barrenness was considered shameful in ancient Israelite society. Children were seen as a sign of divine blessing and a source of social and economic security. Fertility was associated with God’s blessing and barrenness was seen as God’s curse. Sons were a high priority due to their ability to carry on the family name and the family inheritance. On top of this, bearing children was tied to fulfilling God’s covenant promise to Israel (Gen 12:2-3).
Hannah was devastated. Because of her barrenness, she was ridiculed and her life was miserable. Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like you were under God’s punishment or discipline? Have you ever wondered, does God hear me? Does God see my trouble? Why is He allowing this? This is where Hannah was in her life. She was desperate. And it would be in her desperation that she would seek God like never before.
“Deeply hurt, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. [11] Making a vow, she pleaded, “LORD of Armies, if you will take notice of your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give your servant a son, I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and his hair will never be cut.””
1 Samuel 1:10-11 CSB
Hannah’s name means ‘grace’ and it would be by God’s grace that He would allow her to conceive a son and name him Samuel. It is so fascinating to compare the situation that Hannah is in to the situation that Samson’s mother was in back in Judges 13.
Driven To Prayer
In Jdg 13:2-3, we learn that Samson’s mother was barren, and unlike Hannah, there is no record of her praying or persistently seeking God for a child. She appears resigned to her barrenness until the angel of the Lord appears and promises her a son, demonstrating God’s grace without any request from her.
But after Samson is born, we find no song of praise to God at the birth announcement. Later, in Jdg 15:9-13, we see that the men of Judah (Samson’s own people) have accepted Philistine rule and confront Samson for his actions. There is widespread doubt regarding Israel’s deliverance.
On the other hand, Samuel’s mother, Hannah, is in a similar (arguably worse) situation but responds differently. She is provoked and taunted because of her barrenness but this humiliation drives her into prayer. She desperately desires a child, and her desperation fuels her desire to seek God in a way she never has before. She is exactly what Jesus would describe as asking, seeking, and knocking (Luk 11:9-13).
She prays that her son would be a deliverer. Even before she knew she would become pregnant, she makes a promise to God that she will dedicate her son solely to the Lord. Notice – her cry changes from “I am barren, I am ashamed, woe is me” to “Whatever you give me Lord, I will give back to you!” This is key and we must not miss it! God may allow social and natural tragedies to fulfill greater purposes (Joh 9:3). True power is not found in social status but in one’s relationship with God. Hannah seeks God.
Samson Vs. Samuel
Nazarite Vows & Relationship with God: Both Samson and Samuel took the Nazarite vow, committing themselves to God’s work.
- Over time, Samson despised his vow, repeatedly breaking it, while Samuel embraced his calling and remained faithful.
- The Spirit of God had to rush upon Samson to accomplish God’s will (Jdg 14:6, Jdg 14:19, Jdg 15:14), just as it had to rush upon his mother in her barrenness (Jdg 13:2-3).
- In contrast, Samuel willingly surrendered to God’s Spirit (1 Samuel 3:1-10), just as Hannah willingly gave her son back to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:11, 1 Samuel 1:27-28).
In Prayer
- Samson prayed only when he was in trouble (Jdg 16:28).
- Samuel regularly sought the Lord’s will in prayer (1 Samuel 7:5-9, 1 Sam 8:6, 1 Samuel 12:23).
Strength: Physical vs. Spiritual
- Samson’s strength was external and physical, displayed through mighty acts but lacking in faithfulness.
- Samuel’s strength was internal and spiritual, grounded in obedience to God.
Influence of Their Mothers
- Samson’s mother was told to raise Samson as a Nazarite, set apart to God.
- Hannah, because she has persisted in prayer, chooses to willingly to raise Samuel as a Nazarite.
Their Impact On Israel
- Both men were called to deliver Israel from the Philistines:
- Samson killed many Philistines in his death (Jdg 16:30), but his life did not change Israel’s condition – they remained enslaved.
- Samuel, through his leadership, anointed King David, who later defeated Goliath (1 Samuel 16:13, 1 Samuel 17:45-50) and weakened the Philistines to a point that they were no longer a dominant threat to Israel. Samuel also helped to pave the way for the Messianic covenant to be fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Legacy
Samson, known for his herculean strength, had some incredible moments, but his casual attitude toward God limited his effectiveness. Samuel prayerfully led Israel, transforming them from victims to victors.
Hannah’s prayer to the Lord of angel armies transformed an entire nation as her son would anoint a King who would then go to war with Israel’s enemies. The trajectory of the lives of these men echoed the spiritual lives of their mothers, but more importantly, Hannah (at the time) probably did not fully realize the impact her prayer would have.
Later she actually prays for a king (1 Sam 2:10). What began as a prayer for God to intervene in her personal life led to “a man after God’s own heart” delivering Israel from their enemies.
What does that look like in your family? Are your children, friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors witnessing your faith and your prayers in action on a consistent basis? How are you setting up your children for their future walk with the Lord? Will you commit yourself to a consistent pattern of asking, seeking, and knocking?
The key to Hannah’s prayer was submission and sacrifice. What she longed for most, she willingly vowed to give back to God. This act of surrender became the turning point not only in her own life but also in Israel’s history, ultimately shaping the lineage through which King David – and, in time, the Messiah – would come.
