1 Samuel 2:21 - Bible Verse Meaning and Commentary

1 Samuel 2:21 states: "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."

Overview

This verse captures a significant moment in the life of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. It reflects God's favor towards her and highlights the sacred duty of raising Samuel, who would play a vital role in Israel's history. In understanding this verse, we delve into themes of divine providence, answered prayer, and the growth of Samuel as a chosen servant of God.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry's Commentary

  Henry emphasizes the faithfulness of God in responding to Hannah's prayers. He notes that God's visit to Hannah symbolizes His grace, leading to blessings beyond her request. Her later children serve as a testament to God’s ability to exceed our expectations when we trust in Him.

• Albert Barnes' Notes

  Barnes discusses the cultural and spiritual significance of Samuel’s upbringing in the context of Israelite society. He points out that Samuel’s growth 'before the LORD' indicates a life dedicated to serving God. This environment of faithfulness was crucial for Samuel’s future leadership role.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary

  Clarke highlights the miraculous aspects of Hannah's situation, noting that her initial barrenness followed by her subsequent children illustrates the themes of hope and divine intervention. He underscores the importance of giving thanks to God for His blessings, as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service.

Thematic Elements

This scripture is rich with themes relevant to both spiritual growth and personal faith journeys:

• Answered Prayer: Hannah's plea to God for a child showcases how sincere requests can be met with divine favor.
• God’s Providence: The birth of her children signifies God’s overarching plan and timing in our lives.
• Dedication to God: By raising Samuel before the LORD, there is a model for parents to lead their children toward spirituality.

Cross References

• 1 Samuel 1:20 - Hannah's prayer for a son.
• 1 Samuel 2:27-28 - The call of Samuel to serve God.
• 1 Samuel 3:19-20 - The confirmation of Samuel as a prophet.

Practical Applications

This verse encourages us to:

• Trust in God: Whether we are in seasons of prayer or waiting, we can trust that God knows the desires of our hearts.
• Dedicate our Children: Just as Hannah dedicated Samuel, parents are encouraged to raise children with a focus on faith and service.
• Study and Reflect: Engaging with Scripture helps deepen our understanding of God’s work in our lives.

Conclusion

1 Samuel 2:21 stands as a powerful reminder of the significance of prayer, the blessings of divine favor, and the responsibilities tied to those blessings. By analyzing this verse through various commentaries, we gain a deeper bible verse understanding and application for our lives.