1 Samuel 1:23 - Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary

Verse (1 Samuel 1:23): "And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the Lord establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him."

Overview of the Verse

This verse comes from the first chapter of 1 Samuel, highlighting a significant moment in the life of Hannah, who had fervently prayed for a child. When her prayers were answered with the birth of Samuel, she dedicated him to the Lord. This interaction between Hannah and her husband Elkanah showcases themes of faith, obedience, and the sacrificial aspect of motherhood.

Bible Verse Meanings

This verse encapsulates several key ideas:

• Faith in Divine Providence: Hannah's commitment to God is evident. Elkanah encourages her to fulfill her promise to God, showing a trust in God's timing.
• Parental Responsibility: The act of weaning Samuel reflects the careful nurturing necessary before handing him over to the service of the Lord.
• Divine Establishment: Elkanah's statement, "only the Lord establish his word," emphasizes God's sovereignty and the importance of aligning personal desires with divine will.

Commentary Insights

Matthew Henry's Commentary: Henry draws attention to the deep emotional struggle of Hannah and the profound faith she exhibited. He underscores that Elkanah's support is pivotal in her journey of faith, portraying the role of a husband in nurturing spiritual commitments.

Albert Barnes' Notes: Barnes highlights the cultural context of this passage, focusing on the importance of weaning and child-rearing in ancient Israelite society. He elaborates on the necessity of preparing Samuel to function in his prophetic role after his weaning.

Adam Clarke's Commentary: Clarke provides insight into the Hebrew terms used in this passage, suggesting that the emphasis on weaning is not only physical but also spiritual. He frames Hannah’s actions as a deep devotion to God's service.

Emotional and Spiritual Themes

The emotional tapestry of this passage includes:

• Dedication: Hannah's promise reveals the depth of her devotion and the significance of dedicating one's children to God.
• Support and Partnership: Elkanah's willingness to allow Hannah to take her time showcases the importance of partnership in fulfilling spiritual commitments.
• Obedience to God: The commitment to wean Samuel before dedicating him illustrates a balanced approach to personal desire and divine obligation.

In-Depth Analysis

This verse contributes to a broader understanding of the narrative within 1 Samuel by:

• Highlighting the Role of Women: Hannah is a pivotal character whose integrity and faith serve as an example within the biblical narrative.
• Foreshadowing Prophetic Leadership: Samuel's upbringing impacts the future leadership of Israel, indicating the importance of nurturing future prophets.
• Exploring Faithfulness: This passage encourages an analysis of how personal faith manifest in practical actions and decisions.

Related Bible Verses

This verse is connected to several other significant passages:

• 1 Samuel 1:11: Hannah's vow to the Lord, marking the beginning of her commitment.
• Proverbs 22:6: The principle of training a child in the way they should go.
• Psalm 127:3: Children are a heritage from the Lord, reinforcing the theme of parental responsibility.

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This content serves as an exploration of the Bible verse meaning and Bible verse explanations related to 1 Samuel 1:23. Individuals seeking Bible study insights will find the interpretation beneficial for understanding scripture, particularly in personal and community settings such as bible study groups and online Bible study.

Conclusion

1 Samuel 1:23 emphasizes the profound relationship between faith, parental duty, and divine commitment. Through the insights of established commentaries, one can derive meaningful understanding of Scripture, paving the way for practical application in daily life.