READ: 1 Sam. 1:21-28
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. – 1 Sam. 1:28
Elkana and Hanna both expect from the LORD. They bow down before His face, then return to their home in Rama with His blessing. The LORD remembers Hanna when she has intimacy with Elkana, and He ensures that she becomes pregnant.
A year later, a child is born, a son! The LORD has heard Hanna’s supplication. He gives new life, providing redemption in His way, through faithful prayer and in the path of faithful expectation.
Hanna names her son Samuel, which means “heard of God.” Because, she says: I have prayed for him from the LORD. A beautiful confession. This name also foretells his calling: Samuel, as a Nazirite, may serve God throughout his life. Thus, the LORD provides Himself with a servant. Where the office fails with Hophni, Phinehas, and Eli, God causes a boy to be born from an infertile womb, using fervent prayer for deliverance.
When Samuel is weaned, his parents bring him to God’s sanctuary. Everything is governed by thanks to the LORD for His grace: They bring the necessary offerings and provide the boy with food. Upon arrival, they first offer sacrifices to show their gratitude to the LORD. Then Hanna presents her boy to the high priest Eli to consecrate him for the service to the LORD and says her farewell.
Her little son is prayed for of the LORD, received from Him, and now also destined for Him. Even at such a young age, he knows his place before the LORD: he bows before Him. Everything depends on the blessing of the LORD and is contingent on His faithful care. In that trust, even now, faithful parents may dedicate their children to the LORD.
For what purpose do parents have children?
Singing: Ps. 116:9,10