The book of 1 Samuel is a historical narrative in the Old Testament of the Bible. It tells the story of the transition from Israel being ruled by judges to being ruled by kings. The verse 1 Samuel 1:21 in the King James Version (KJV) states:

“And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.”

This verse comes after the story of Hannah, a woman who was barren and prayed fervently to the Lord for a child. In his faithfulness, the Lord granted her prayer and she gave birth to a son, Samuel. The verse reveals the fulfillment of Hannah’s vow to the Lord that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service for his entire life.

The context of this verse is set in the historical and cultural background of ancient Israel. The yearly sacrifice mentioned here refers to the pilgrimage festival where the Israelites would travel to the tabernacle or later the temple to offer sacrifices and worship the Lord. This practice was a central part of Israelite religious life, as it allowed the people to directly connect with God and seek His favor through atonement for their sins and thanksgiving for His blessings. Elkanah's household going up to offer the yearly sacrifice underscores their commitment to worship and obey the Lord’s commandments, and it serves as a backdrop to the solemnity of the vow made by Hannah and the significance of Samuel’s dedication to the Lord.

The verse carries several important themes that are relevant to the overall message of 1 Samuel. First and foremost is the theme of faithfulness and obedience to God. The actions of Elkanah and his household in fulfilling their religious duties reflect the importance of maintaining a close relationship with God through dedication, sacrifice, and worship. Hannah’s vow to dedicate her son to the Lord also highlights the concept of fulfilling promises made to God, as well as the idea of willingly giving back to Him the blessings He has bestowed.

Another prominent theme in this verse is the concept of divine intervention and providence. The birth of Samuel to Hannah, a woman who was initially unable to conceive, is a testament to God’s power and ability to bring forth life in unexpected and miraculous ways. It reinforces the idea that God is sovereign over all aspects of human existence, including fertility and family life.

Moreover, the act of dedicating Samuel to the Lord from his earliest years emphasizes the theme of service and commitment to God. Samuel’s later role as a prophet and judge of Israel demonstrates the lifelong impact of his dedication and how it ultimately benefited the nation of Israel. This also reflects the broader theme of the providential role of individuals in the unfolding of God’s plan for His people.

Symbolically, this verse serves as a prelude to the unfolding of the story of Samuel, who becomes a pivotal figure in the history of Israel. His dedication to the Lord from a young age is symbolic of the importance of raising children to honor and serve God. It also foreshadows the contrast between Samuel’s faithful leadership and the unfaithfulness of the later kings of Israel.

In conclusion, 1 Samuel 1:21 captures the essence of dedication, faithfulness, and providence in the context of ancient Israelite religious life. It sets the stage for the remarkable story of Samuel and his significant role in the history of Israel, while also conveying timeless truths about the nature of God and His relationship with His people.