“Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.”– 1 Samuel 1:20 (KJV)
“In due time, she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, ‘I asked the Lord for him.’– 1 Samuel 1:20 (NLT)
“After Hannah had had a son, she named him Samuel, explaining, ‘I asked God for him.’– 1 Samuel 1:20 (MSG)
What Does 1 Samuel 1:20 Mean?
This verse is a beautiful depiction of faith and divine intervention. It highlights Hannah’s prayerful desire for a child, a desire that was finally fulfilled. We see her journey from bitterness and distress to joy and celebration. When Hannah prayed for a son, she made a vow to dedicate him to the Lord’s service. The name “Samuel” signifies her gratefulness, meaning “asked of God.” This shows us that God answers prayers, sometimes in ways we never imagined. It reminds us that our heartfelt pleas can lead to incredible blessings.
In Hannah’s situation, her son was not just a blessing for her personal life but also a gift to the nation of Israel. Samuel would later become a significant prophet and leader who guided the Israelites through crucial times. This transformation from a desperate mother to a joyous one demonstrates God’s providence and the idea that our struggles often have a greater purpose. It reminds us of the importance of patience and trusting in God’s timing, even when we may feel lost or forgotten.
1 Samuel 1:20 Explanation and Commentary
When we look more closely at this verse, we notice several key themes emerge. First, there is the theme of prayer and supplication. Hannah’s story starts with her deep heartache and her fervent prayers to the Lord for a child. Many of us can relate to Hannah’s pain and longing for something in our lives that seems out of reach. Her faith and dedication serve as a reminder that we should never underestimate the power of our prayers. God listens to our cries and sees our struggles.
Next, we see the concept of faith and promise fulfillment. Hannah’s experience illustrates how God works in the lives of those who earnestly seek Him. After years of anguish, the Lord answered her prayers at the right time. God’s timing is often different from ours, and it teaches us patience. We mention this because patience is a fruit of the Spirit, as seen in Galatians 5:22-23, which encourages us to wait on God’s timing. Grounded faith leads to miraculous outcomes, just as it did for Hannah.
Another important aspect of 1 Samuel 1:20 reflects the significance of naming. Hannah names her son Samuel, expressing her gratitude for God answering her prayers. Naming holds power; it is representative of one’s identity and purpose. As Christians, it is vital that we recognize the purpose that God has for each of us, just as Samuel had a remarkable destiny. By dedicating Samuel to God’s service, Hannah also set a powerful example for us. Each child is a gift from God, and we have the opportunity to nurture their faith and purpose.
Hannah’s story also intertwines with the entire biblical narrative. Samuel would grow to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. This shows that individual lives can significantly impact the grander story of God’s plan. We should all consider how our actions, prayers, and development in faith could ripple outward, affecting not only our lives but the lives of countless others.
Context of 1 Samuel 1:20
Understanding the context in which Hannah lived is essential to appreciate the full meaning of this verse. Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah, and she faced torment from Peninnah, the other wife, who had children and was not shy about reminding Hannah of her barrenness. This led Hannah into periods of deep despair, especially in a culture where motherhood was highly revered. Her yearning for a child created a heartbreaking tension in her life.
During one of her solemn visits to the temple, Hannah poured out her soul before the Lord. She prayed fervently, vowing that if God granted her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. This intimate act of devotion emphasizes a profound trust and commitment to God’s plan over her desires. When God honored her request, it was not just the fulfillment of a wish but a sacred promise that Hannah delivered on faithfully.
Samuel’s story continues to develop in the subsequent chapters of 1 Samuel. We see how his life played a vital role in the transition from the judges to the monarchy in Israel. He became the last judge of Israel, and his leadership was marked by prayer, obedience, and faithfulness to God. As we reflect on Hannah’s moment of prayer and the birth of Samuel, we see that it initiated a significant turning point for the nation of Israel, showcasing how our personal journeys intersect with larger divine plans.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 Samuel 1:20
Let us dissect this verse further to understand its layers. The opening phrase, “when the time was come about,” suggests God’s perfect timing. We learn that God does not operate on our schedules; He works on His divine timeline. It reminds us of Ecclesiastes 3:1, which states that there is a season for everything. Where we may feel hurried, we must remember that the unfolding of God’s plans is precise and purposeful.
The phrase “Hannah had conceived” signifies both a miraculous event and the culmination of her faith. It was not just about the physical act of becoming pregnant; it was an emotional and spiritual journey. The conception symbolizes hope. When we put our faith in God, there are times when our hopes may be barren like Hannah before she conceived, but God can bring life to our desolate situations.
Furthermore, Hannah named her son Samuel, and this speaks volumes. In the practice of naming a child, there is a narrative being established. The name Samuel means “asked of God,” which encapsulates her journey of faith. It automatically shifts our focus from merely Hannah’s desire to the glorious act of God’s response to her faithfulness. The name Samuel serves as a constant reminder of God’s grace and providence in Hannah’s life.
Finally, the phrase “because I have asked him of the LORD” reinforces the relationship Hannah had with God. It illustrates the importance of asking in faith and believing that God hears us. As James 1:5 reminds us, we ought to ask God for wisdom and direction, trusting that He gives generously. Our requests, if made with sincerity and humility, are met with attentiveness by the Lord.
Lessons to Learn From 1 Samuel 1:20
There are abundant lessons to glean from this beautiful verse. One of the most important is the power of prayer. Hannah’s story teaches us that prayer should be our refuge in times of distress. Whether we are in joy or sorrow, we ought to remain consistent in our prayer life. Just as she poured her heart out before God, we can do the same. God invites us to bring our burdens to Him.
Another vital lesson speaks on the importance of faithfulness in both prayer and in fulfilling promises. Hannah not only prayed but also dedicated Samuel to the Lord’s service when he was born. God asks us to be faithful stewards of what He gives us. We must reflect on how we are using our time, talents, and treasures. Are we nurturing our gifts and helping them flourish for God’s glory? In doing so, we pave the way for future generations to encounter Christ.
We also learn about the significance of waiting on God’s timing. In our instant gratification culture, it can be tough to wait patiently. Still, the story of Hannah shows us that the waiting period is often when God prepares us for His blessings. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for good for those who love God. Our waiting may not seem fruitful now; however, God, in due time, works miracles in our lives.
Lastly, we see the importance of recognizing God’s hand in the outcomes of our lives. When we acknowledge His sovereignty and thank Him for what He has done, we grow closer in our relationship with Him. We are reminded to celebrate and share our testimonies because our experiences can be sources of hope for others. Let us not keep God’s goodness to ourselves. We need to tell our stories to spark hope in those around us.
Final Thoughts
1 Samuel 1:20 reveals such a profound narrative about longing, faith, and divine intervention. As we reflect on Hannah’s journey, we are encouraged to trust in God’s timing, remain faithful in our prayers, and dedicate the fruits of our labor to God’s service. Each one of us has a story that interlaces with God’s grand narrative, and it can be powerful in leading others to faith.
In conclusion, let us embrace the lessons found in this verse with open hearts. As we face life’s challenges, we can remember that God hears our cries, answers our prayers, and transforms our deepest longings into blessings that reflect His glory.
For further exploration, consider looking into Joshua’s remarkable victories in Joshua 10:10 and Joshua 10:12. Each chapter of the Bible brings forth treasures of wisdom for our everyday lives.