1 Samuel 1:21 Commentary and Bible Study

‘And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD.’ Elkanah went up annually, but the narrative tells us that Hannah didn't go up with him: not that year, nor the following year. She finally went up only when the child was weaned. Now some very good writers used to say that Samuel was taken to Shiloh to the house of God to be presented to Eli at three years of age: it took the Hebrews in olden times up to three years to wean their children. We visualise Samuel being taken to the temple and offered to the Lord aged, say, three or four, but he could have been older than that. Others say the term ‘wean’ could be used in ancient literature very loosely, and actually it need not mean strictly ceasing to breast feed; he could have been seven or eight when he was taken. Maybe however it is wise to stick to the literal: even if we understand the longest possible period of weaning: three years, then he was taken up to Shiloh. She knew what she intended to do. She had vowed in her heart before the Lord, and she could not go back on her word, nor did she want to. Yes, there was a cost in carrying out her vow. She loved the child, and it was very painful to be parted from him, but there was something more wonderful to be gained by giving him to the Lord: he would serve in the temple and God would bless him and use him, and this is indeed what happened. Eli did not yet know what she intended to do, but the Lord knew. She must no weaken herself in following through with her vow, by going up to Shiloh and returning again with the child. To do that once might mean that she would do it again and her resolve would eventually be broken down.Hannah explains this to Elkanah, and he is completely supportive of her in what she intends. He appreciates her spiritual sensitivities and honours them. That is wonderful in a husband. He adds his prayer that God will establish his word, and by this he means that he believes her plan will lead to something wonderful in yielding up her child to the service of God.