What does 1 Samuel 1:22 mean?
"But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever." - 1 Samuel 1:22
1 Samuel 1:22 (KJV) reads, "But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord, and there abide for ever."
This verse is part of the narrative of Hannah, a woman who was barren and desperately wanted a child. It is a significant moment in her story, as she makes a vow to dedicate her son to the Lord and to bring him to serve in the house of the Lord from a young age. In this commentary, we will explore the themes, context, and symbolism in this verse.
The theme of Hannah's unwavering faith and devotion to God is central to the verse. Despite her long struggle with infertility and the ridicule she faced from her husband's other wife, Hannah remained faithful and continued to pray for a child. Her determination and commitment to God's will are evident in her vow to dedicate her son to the Lord. This theme of faith and devotion is one that resonates throughout the Bible, as many other figures, including Abraham, Moses, and David, demonstrate unwavering faith and commitment to God despite their circumstances.
The cultural and historical context of this verse is important for understanding its significance. In ancient Israelite society, childbirth was highly valued, and the inability to bear children was often seen as a sign of God's disfavor. This was particularly challenging for women, whose primary role was to bear children and continue the family line. The pressure and stigma associated with infertility would have been immense for Hannah, adding to her deep emotional distress. In this context, Hannah's vow to dedicate her child to the Lord can be seen as an act of faith and trust in God's plan, despite her personal struggles.
Symbolism is also present in this verse, particularly in Hannah's decision to dedicate her son to the Lord. The act of dedicating a child to God was a significant and solemn commitment in ancient Israelite culture. It symbolized the recognition that children were a gift from God and belonged ultimately to Him. By offering her son to serve in the house of the Lord, Hannah was expressing her gratitude to God for answering her prayers and acknowledging that her son's life belonged to God. This act of dedication also foreshadows the future role of her son, Samuel, as a prophet and leader in Israel.
Overall, 1 Samuel 1:22 (KJV) is a powerful and moving verse that captures the depth of Hannah's faith and devotion to God. It reflects the themes of unwavering faith, cultural and historical context, and symbolism that are present throughout the Bible. Hannah's vow to dedicate her son to the Lord serves as a poignant example of the profound ways in which individuals in the Bible demonstrate their commitment to God, even in the face of personal struggles and challenges.
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1 Samuel 1:22 Artwork
1 Samuel 1:22 - "But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever."
"But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever." - 1 Samuel 1:22
2 Samuel 24:22
2 Samuel 24:22
2 Samuel 24:22
1 Samuel 15:22
1 Samuel 15:22
1 Samuel 22:11-13
1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."
1 Samuel 4:22 - "And she said, The glory is departed from Israel: for the ark of God is taken."
1 Samuel 8:22 - "And the LORD said to Samuel, Hearken unto their voice, and make them a king. And Samuel said unto the men of Israel, Go ye every man unto his city."
1 Samuel 22:1 - "David therefore departed thence, and escaped to the cave Adullam: and when his brethren and all his father's house heard it, they went down thither to him."
1 Samuel 9:22 (Brenton) 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them to the inn, and set them there a place among the chief of those that were called, about seventy men.
1 Samuel 22:20 - "¶ And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David."
1 Samuel 19:22 - "Then went he also to Ramah, and came to a great well that is in Sechu: and he asked and said, Where are Samuel and David? And one said, Behold, they be at Naioth in Ramah."
1 Samuel 22:4 - "And he brought them before the king of Moab: and they dwelt with him all the while that David was in the hold."
1 Samuel 22:10 - "And he enquired of the LORD for him, and gave him victuals, and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine."
1 Samuel 22:16 - "And the king said, Thou shalt surely die, Ahimelech, thou, and all thy father's house."
1 Samuel 9:22 - "And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons."
1 Samuel 22:12 - "And Saul said, Hear now, thou son of Ahitub. And he answered, Here I am, my lord."
1 Samuel 9:22 (KJVA) 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant, and brought them into the parlour, and made them sit in the chiefest place among them that were bidden, which were about thirty persons.
1 Samuel 15:22 - "And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams."
2 Samuel 1:22 - "From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan turned not back, and the sword of Saul returned not empty."
1 Samuel 26:22 - "And David answered and said, Behold the king's spear! and let one of the young men come over and fetch it."
1 Samuel 17:22 - "And David left his carriage in the hand of the keeper of the carriage, and ran into the army, and came and saluted his brethren."
1 Samuel 24:22 - "And David sware unto Saul. And Saul went home; but David and his men gat them up unto the hold."
1 Samuel 22:22 - "And David said unto Abiathar, I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul: I have occasioned the death of all the persons of thy father's house."
1 Samuel 22:23 - "Abide thou with me, fear not: for he that seeketh my life seeketh thy life: but with me thou shalt be in safeguard."
1 Samuel 12:22 - "For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people."
1 Samuel 16:22 - "And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, Let David, I pray thee, stand before me; for he hath found favour in my sight."