1 samuel 1:24 - When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls, and one ephah of meal, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to Yahweh’s house in Shiloh. The child was young.

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 1:24

What does "1 samuel 1:24" mean?


This verse from 1 Samuel 1:24 describes Hannah fulfilling her vow to dedicate her son Samuel to the Lord. Let's break down the meaning:

"When she had weaned him..." This indicates that Samuel was now old enough to eat solid food and no longer needed his mother's milk. Weaning typically occurred around the age of 2-3 years old in ancient times.
"...she took him up with her, with three bulls, and one ephah of meal, and a bottle of wine..." Hannah brings Samuel to the sanctuary along with offerings:
Three bulls: These were likely intended as sacrifices to Yahweh. The number three often signifies completeness or emphasis.
One ephah of meal: This was a substantial amount of flour, likely for a grain offering. An ephah was a dry measure, equivalent to about 22 liters.
A bottle of wine: This was for a drink offering.
"...and brought him to Yahweh’s house in Shiloh." Shiloh was the location of the Tabernacle, the central place of worship for the Israelites at that time. This is where the Ark of the Covenant was housed.
"The child was young." This emphasizes Samuel's youth. Despite being young, Hannah was committed to giving him over to serve the Lord. It shows her dedication to keeping her vow.

In essence, the verse portrays Hannah's faithful act of bringing her young son Samuel to the Tabernacle in Shiloh, along with significant offerings, fulfilling her vow to dedicate him to the Lord's service. It showcases her selflessness and commitment to God.

It's important to remember that this act had significant implications for Samuel's future. He would be raised and trained by Eli the priest, becoming a pivotal figure in Israel's history as a prophet, priest, and judge.

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