1 Samuel 1

The first chapter of 1 Samuel introduces the story of Hannah, a woman deeply grieved because she is unable to bear children. Her husband, Elkanah, has two wives: Peninnah, who has children, and Hannah, who is barren. Hannah's sorrow and her faithful prayer to the Lord set the stage for the birth of Samuel, who would become a significant figure in Israel’s history.

1 Samuel 1:1-2 (NKJV)
1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

These verses introduce Elkanah, a man from the tribe of Ephraim, and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. The family dynamic is set up here, showing that Peninnah is fruitful, having children, while Hannah is barren. This contrast lays the foundation for the tension in the family and sets up Hannah’s deep sorrow and desire for a child, which will become the focus of the chapter.

1 Samuel 1:3-5 (NKJV)
3 This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. Also, the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.
4 And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters.
5 But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb.

Elkanah is portrayed as a faithful man who regularly travels to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices. The priests, Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas, are mentioned, connecting this narrative to the larger religious setting. Elkanah’s favoritism toward Hannah, giving her a double portion despite her barrenness, shows his deep love for her, even though she has not borne him children. The text also makes clear that her inability to conceive was under God’s sovereignty.

1 Samuel 1:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb.
7 So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat.

Peninnah, described here as Hannah’s rival, cruelly taunts her about her inability to have children. This ongoing emotional abuse intensifies during their yearly pilgrimage to the house of the Lord, causing Hannah deep distress. Her inability to eat and constant weeping show the depth of her grief and humiliation.

1 Samuel 1:8 (NKJV)
8 Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”

Elkanah tries to comfort Hannah, questioning why she is so distressed. He reassures her of his love by asking if his affection isn’t more valuable than having many sons. Although well-intentioned, Elkanah’s words don’t fully grasp the societal and personal importance of children to Hannah, especially in a culture where a woman’s worth was often tied to motherhood.

1 Samuel 1:9-11 (NKJV)
9 So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord.
10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.
11 Then she made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.”

In her anguish, Hannah rises to pray at the tabernacle, pouring out her soul to God. Her prayer is full of desperation and faith as she vows to dedicate a son to the Lord if He grants her one. Her vow includes the Nazarite commitment, signifying a lifelong dedication to God’s service. This moment is pivotal, as Hannah shifts her focus from her own grief to making a sacrificial promise to God.

1 Samuel 1:12-14 (NKJV)
12 And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth.
13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.
14 So Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!”

Hannah’s silent, intense prayer draws the attention of Eli, the priest, who misinterprets her behavior as drunkenness. His assumption reflects the moral state of the time, where such behaviors may not have been uncommon. Eli’s reprimand is misplaced, as he does not realize that Hannah’s deep devotion and sorrow are leading her to pray in such an emotional manner.

1 Samuel 1:15-16 (NKJV)
15 But Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord.
16 Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now.”

Hannah defends herself, explaining that she is not drunk but deeply sorrowful and pouring her heart out to God in prayer. Her words reveal the intensity of her emotional burden and her deep faith in bringing her troubles to the Lord. Hannah’s humility and respectful response show her sincerity and the depth of her spiritual commitment.

1 Samuel 1:17-18 (NKJV)
17 Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.”
18 And she said, “Let your maidservant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.

Eli, recognizing Hannah’s sincerity, blesses her with words of assurance, asking God to grant her request. With this blessing, Hannah’s demeanor changes, and she leaves with renewed hope and peace, trusting that her prayer has been heard. Her faith allows her to move from sorrow to confidence in God’s promise, and she is able to eat and no longer appears downcast.

1 Samuel 1:19-20 (NKJV)
19 Then they rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord, and returned and came to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her.
20 So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.”

After worshiping the Lord, Hannah and Elkanah return home, and in time, the Lord answers her prayer by granting her a son. Hannah names him Samuel, which means “heard by God,” reflecting her gratitude and the fulfillment of her heartfelt prayer. This marks the beginning of Samuel’s life, who would grow to become a pivotal figure in Israel’s history.

1 Samuel 1:21-23 (NKJV)
21 Now the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and his vow.
22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “Not until the child is weaned; then I will take him, that he may appear before the Lord and remain there forever.”
23 So Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems best to you; wait until you have weaned him. Only let the Lord establish His word.” So the woman stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him.

Hannah chooses not to go to Shiloh with the family until Samuel is weaned, in preparation to dedicate him to the Lord. Elkanah supports her decision, and together they trust that God’s word will be fulfilled. This shows Hannah’s commitment to her vow and her intention to give Samuel fully to God’s service as promised.

1 Samuel 1:24-28 (NKJV)
24 Now when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, one ephah of flour, and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. And the child was young.
25 Then they slaughtered a bull, and brought the child to Eli.
26 And she said, “O my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord.
27 For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him.
28 Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” So they worshiped the Lord there.

Once Samuel is weaned, Hannah fulfills her vow by bringing him to Eli at the house of the Lord. She offers sacrifices and reminds Eli of her previous prayer. Hannah dedicates Samuel to God for life, a profound act of faith and sacrifice. Her willingness to give up her son demonstrates her deep trust in the Lord’s plan, and together they worship God for His faithfulness.