This verse, 1 Samuel 2:21, is a powerful summation of Hannah's faithfulness and God's blessing. Let's break it down:
"Yahweh visited Hannah..." This implies God intervened in Hannah's life in a special way. "Visiting" is often a euphemism for God's favor and intervention, specifically in the context of enabling conception when it seemed impossible. Remember, Hannah was previously barren, and her inability to have children was a source of great sorrow and societal stigma. This "visit" means God remembered her prayer and answered it.
"...and she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters." This is the direct result of God's favor. Hannah didn't just have one child after praying for one; she had five more! This emphasizes the abundance of God's blessing, exceeding her initial request. It highlights the completeness of God's response to her faithfulness.
"The child Samuel grew before Yahweh." This statement refers back to the child Samuel, whom Hannah dedicated to the Lord at a young age. "Grew before Yahweh" signifies that Samuel's growth was not merely physical but also spiritual. It suggests he was under God's constant care, developing in wisdom, understanding, and favor with God. It emphasizes Samuel's unique destiny and the divine guidance he received from a young age, preparing him to become a significant prophet and leader in Israel. It also contrasts with the behavior of Eli's sons, who were not growing in the ways of Yahweh.
In essence, the verse means:
God heard and answered Hannah's prayer for a child, blessing her not just with Samuel but with five more children.
This shows the overflowing nature of God's blessings and rewards for faith.
Samuel, from his youth, was dedicated to God and grew under His divine guidance, preparing him for his future role.
It illustrates the fulfillment of Hannah's vow and the beginning of Samuel's extraordinary life of service to God.
It highlights the importance of faithfulness and dedication to God, which can lead to unexpected and abundant blessings.
The verse is a testament to God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him and a foreshadowing of the significant role Samuel would play in Israel's history. It also serves as a reminder that God can turn sorrow into joy and barrenness into fruitfulness.
This verse, 1 Samuel 2:21, is a powerful summation of Hannah's faithfulness and God's blessing. Let's break it down:
"Yahweh visited Hannah..." This implies God intervened in Hannah's life in a special way. "Visiting" is often a euphemism for God's favor and intervention, specifically in the context of enabling conception when it seemed impossible. Remember, Hannah was previously barren, and her inability to have children was a source of great sorrow and societal stigma. This "visit" means God remembered her prayer and answered it.
"...and she conceived, and bore three sons and two daughters." This is the direct result of God's favor. Hannah didn't just have one child after praying for one; she had five more! This emphasizes the abundance of God's blessing, exceeding her initial request. It highlights the completeness of God's response to her faithfulness.
"The child Samuel grew before Yahweh." This statement refers back to the child Samuel, whom Hannah dedicated to the Lord at a young age. "Grew before Yahweh" signifies that Samuel's growth was not merely physical but also spiritual. It suggests he was under God's constant care, developing in wisdom, understanding, and favor with God. It emphasizes Samuel's unique destiny and the divine guidance he received from a young age, preparing him to become a significant prophet and leader in Israel. It also contrasts with the behavior of Eli's sons, who were not growing in the ways of Yahweh.
In essence, the verse means:
God heard and answered Hannah's prayer for a child, blessing her not just with Samuel but with five more children.
This shows the overflowing nature of God's blessings and rewards for faith.
Samuel, from his youth, was dedicated to God and grew under His divine guidance, preparing him for his future role.
It illustrates the fulfillment of Hannah's vow and the beginning of Samuel's extraordinary life of service to God.
It highlights the importance of faithfulness and dedication to God, which can lead to unexpected and abundant blessings.
The verse is a testament to God's faithfulness to those who trust in Him and a foreshadowing of the significant role Samuel would play in Israel's history. It also serves as a reminder that God can turn sorrow into joy and barrenness into fruitfulness.