1 samuel 1:11 - She vowed a vow, and said, “Yahweh of Armies, if you will indeed look at the affliction of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a boy, then I will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life, and no razor shall come on his head.”
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What does "1 samuel 1:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 1:11, describes Hannah's desperate plea to God for a child. Let's break down the meaning:
"She vowed a vow, and said...": This sets the stage for a solemn and binding promise Hannah is making to God. A vow in ancient Israel was a serious commitment.
"Yahweh of Armies": This is a powerful title for God, emphasizing His sovereignty and might. "Yahweh" is God's personal name, and "of Armies" (or "Lord of Hosts") refers to His command over the heavenly host or angelic armies. It implies that He has the power to fulfill Hannah's request.
"...if you will indeed look at the affliction of your servant...": Hannah acknowledges her suffering. "Affliction" refers to her barrenness, which was a great source of shame and sorrow in that culture. She's asking God to notice her pain.
"...and remember me, and not forget your servant...": Hannah pleads for God's active intervention in her life. "Remember" doesn't just mean to recall her existence but to act on her behalf. She is desperate not to be overlooked.
"...but will give to your servant a boy...": This is the core of her request. She desires a male child. Having a son was highly valued in that society for various reasons, including carrying on the family name and providing security in old age.
"...then I will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life...": This is the crucial part of her vow. If God grants her a son, she promises to dedicate him to God's service for his entire life. This means the child will be set apart for sacred duties, likely serving at the tabernacle or temple.
"...and no razor shall come on his head.": This indicates that her son will be a Nazirite. A Nazirite vow (Numbers 6) involved special restrictions, including abstaining from alcohol, avoiding contact with dead bodies, and, most notably, not cutting their hair. The uncut hair symbolized dedication and separation to God. By dedicating her son as a Nazirite, Hannah is making an even greater commitment of her son to God's service.
In Summary:
Hannah, deeply distressed by her barrenness, makes a vow to God. She promises that if He grants her a son, she will dedicate the child to God's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. This means he would be set apart for sacred duties and would never cut his hair. It highlights her faith, desperation, and willingness to sacrifice what would be most precious to her for God's favor. Her vow reveals a deep devotion and recognition of God's power and sovereignty.
1 samuel 1:11 - She vowed a vow, and said, “Yahweh of Armies, if you will indeed look at the affliction of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a boy, then I will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life, and no razor shall come on his head.”
What does "1 samuel 1:11" mean?
This verse, 1 Samuel 1:11, describes Hannah's desperate plea to God for a child. Let's break down the meaning:
"She vowed a vow, and said...": This sets the stage for a solemn and binding promise Hannah is making to God. A vow in ancient Israel was a serious commitment.
"Yahweh of Armies": This is a powerful title for God, emphasizing His sovereignty and might. "Yahweh" is God's personal name, and "of Armies" (or "Lord of Hosts") refers to His command over the heavenly host or angelic armies. It implies that He has the power to fulfill Hannah's request.
"...if you will indeed look at the affliction of your servant...": Hannah acknowledges her suffering. "Affliction" refers to her barrenness, which was a great source of shame and sorrow in that culture. She's asking God to notice her pain.
"...and remember me, and not forget your servant...": Hannah pleads for God's active intervention in her life. "Remember" doesn't just mean to recall her existence but to act on her behalf. She is desperate not to be overlooked.
"...but will give to your servant a boy...": This is the core of her request. She desires a male child. Having a son was highly valued in that society for various reasons, including carrying on the family name and providing security in old age.
"...then I will give him to Yahweh all the days of his life...": This is the crucial part of her vow. If God grants her a son, she promises to dedicate him to God's service for his entire life. This means the child will be set apart for sacred duties, likely serving at the tabernacle or temple.
"...and no razor shall come on his head.": This indicates that her son will be a Nazirite. A Nazirite vow (Numbers 6) involved special restrictions, including abstaining from alcohol, avoiding contact with dead bodies, and, most notably, not cutting their hair. The uncut hair symbolized dedication and separation to God. By dedicating her son as a Nazirite, Hannah is making an even greater commitment of her son to God's service.
In Summary:
Hannah, deeply distressed by her barrenness, makes a vow to God. She promises that if He grants her a son, she will dedicate the child to God's service for his entire life as a Nazirite. This means he would be set apart for sacred duties and would never cut his hair. It highlights her faith, desperation, and willingness to sacrifice what would be most precious to her for God's favor. Her vow reveals a deep devotion and recognition of God's power and sovereignty.