Meaning of 1 Samuel 1:20

This verse marks the pivotal moment of answered prayer for Hannah, a woman who had suffered the profound anguish of barrenness and the social stigma it carried in ancient Israel. After years of heartfelt pleading and vows made at the sanctuary in Shiloh, her supplication to the Lord was finally met with divine intervention, resulting in the conception and birth of a son. The naming of this child, Samuel, directly reflects Hannah's testimony of God's faithfulness; "Samuel" is interpreted from the Hebrew Sh'mu'el, meaning "name of God" or, as Hannah articulates, "because I asked the Lord for him," highlighting the direct connection between her earnest petition and God's merciful response. This event is not merely a personal triumph but a divinely orchestrated beginning for a significant figure in Israel's history.

Context and Background

The narrative preceding this verse details Hannah's deep distress. She was one of Elkanah's two wives, the other being Peninnah, who had children and frequently provoked Hannah due to her barrenness, exacerbating her sorrow (1 Samuel 1:6-7). Hannah's barrenness was particularly devastating in a society where bearing children, especially sons, was seen as a sign of God's favor and essential for lineage and inheritance. Her repeated vows and fervent prayers before the Lord at Shiloh, where Eli the priest mistakenly accused her of being drunk (1 Samuel 1:12-14), underscore the intensity of her desire and the depth of her faith. Her eventual pregnancy and birth of Samuel are thus the culmination of sustained faith and divine action in the face of persistent hardship.

Key Themes and Messages

Several key themes are powerfully conveyed:

• Sovereignty of God: The verse demonstrates God's ultimate control over human fertility and His ability to intervene in the lives of individuals according to His will.
• Power of Prayer: Hannah's story is a testament to persistent, heartfelt prayer. Her earnest pleas were heard and answered, encouraging believers to continue seeking God even in prolonged trials.
• Faithfulness of God: Despite Hannah's suffering and the seeming delay, God ultimately proved faithful to His promise and Hannah's vow.
• Divine Purpose: The birth of Samuel is not accidental; it is the beginning of God's plan to anoint a new era for Israel, transitioning from the judges to the monarchy, with Samuel playing a crucial role.

Spiritual Significance and Application

Spiritually, this verse serves as a profound encouragement to persevere in prayer. It teaches that God hears the cries of His people and that His timing, though sometimes mysterious, is perfect. Hannah's experience offers a model of faith that trusts in God's goodness even when circumstances seem hopeless. For believers today, it signifies that God is attentive to our deepest desires and that He can bring about miraculous outcomes in response to sincere faith and prayer. It also highlights the importance of acknowledging God's hand in our blessings, as Hannah did by naming her son in recognition of God's answer.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The birth of Samuel is a foundational event in the transition from the era of the Judges to the period of the monarchy. Samuel would become the last judge of Israel, a prophet, and the one who would anoint both Saul and David as kings, thereby initiating the Davidic line. This verse, therefore, sets in motion a critical phase of Israel's history, directly impacting the development of God's covenant people and foreshadowing the coming of the Messiah, who would ultimately descend from David. It's a hinge point where God's direct leadership through judges gives way to a divinely appointed human kingship, guided by prophetic leadership.

Analogies

One analogy for Hannah's experience is that of a farmer who meticulously plants seeds, tends the soil, and waits patiently through seasons of drought and hardship, trusting that the harvest will eventually come. Another is a musician who practices diligently for years, facing frustration and doubt, until finally performing a masterpiece, recognizing that the culmination of their skill is the result of their persistent effort and innate talent. In both cases, the eventual fruitfulness is the direct consequence of dedication, perseverance, and an underlying potential that is realized through time and effort.

Relation to Other Verses

This verse resonates with numerous other biblical passages:

• Psalm 127:3: "Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward." This Psalm echoes the sentiment of Samuel being a gift from God.
• Philippians 4:6-7: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This passage encapsulates the principle of bringing requests to God with thanksgiving, mirroring Hannah's prayerful approach.
• James 5:16: "...The prayer of a righteous person is effective." Hannah's prayer, born of deep faith and righteousness, exemplifies this effectiveness.
• Luke 1:36-37: "Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail." This New Testament parallel demonstrates God's continued power to bring forth life in seemingly impossible situations, as He did with Samuel and later with John the Baptist.