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him, sterling patriotism, a devotion to Jehovah, real generosity, and a touching
gentleness. These qualities light up not a little a life that ended in failure and disaster.
Here, the old man is quick to understand that he had been insulting a blameless woman.
He at once retracts his cruel accusation, and silently accuses himself and his unjust
thoughts and words in his gracious words of blessing. As we have seen, Eli's benediction
evidently reassured her that her prayers would be answered, and she went away with a
strange peace in her heart willing to leave her affliction in the hands of the Lord.
In verse 19 we read "and the Lord remembered her; wherefore it came to pass, when
the time was come about that Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his
name Samuel, Because I have asked him of the Lord" (-19, 20). We should pause here
and reflect that the Lord does not always answer prayer immediately, even if it is in line
with His own will. For reasons of His own, and doubtless for our own good as well, we
are made to wait until the right time comes along. It is only then that fullness of blessing
follows.
So Hannah's fervent prayers were answered and she at last bears a son. She and
Elkanah must have been overjoyed. At last her reproach had been taken away, no longer
would she have to bear the scorn and derision so long poured upon her by Peninnah. In
the midst of her happiness, however, she did not forget the One Who had made it all
possible, and so she gives her son the name Samuel. Some say this means "Asked of
God", others "Heard of God": perhaps both are true for without asking there can be no
hearing. Whichever is correct, however, the choice of Hannah would remind her every
time she used it of the gracious mercy of her God. Not only that, the boy himself, and
later when he became a man, would be perpetually reminded that he had been given by
the Lord and dedicated to the Lord.
No.2.
1: 21 - 2: 3.
pp. 53 - 58
In verses 21 and 22 we read:
"And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the Lord the yearly
sacrifice, and his vow. But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not
go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the
Lord, and there abide for ever" (I Sam. 1: 21, 22).
The age of Samuel which was taken to be the fulfillment of this vow varies
considerably according to Hebrew scholars. Some say the weaning of a son in Israel
went on until he was three years of age. Others say that the weaning here is "weaning
from childish things", which would have meant Hannah waiting until he was about
twelve (12) years of age. From verse 24, however, it would appear that Hannah
brought Samuel to the Tabernacle when he was still a young child, and thus probably
about three years old: