Topical Encyclopedia The dedication of Samuel by his mother, Hannah, is a significant event recorded in the Old Testament, specifically in the book of 1 Samuel. This event highlights themes of faith, prayer, and the fulfillment of vows made to God.Biblical Context The account of Samuel's dedication is found in 1 Samuel 1:1-28. Hannah, one of the two wives of Elkanah, was deeply distressed because she was barren, while Elkanah's other wife, Peninnah, had children and often provoked Hannah. Despite Elkanah's love and attempts to comfort her, Hannah's longing for a child remained unfulfilled. Hannah's Vow In her anguish, Hannah went to the tabernacle at Shiloh to pray. She made a solemn vow to the LORD, saying, "O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head" (1 Samuel 1:11). This vow indicated that her son would be a Nazirite, set apart for God's service. God's Answer to Prayer God heard Hannah's prayer, and she conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard of God," acknowledging that her petition had been granted. True to her vow, once Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. She brought offerings and presented Samuel to Eli, the priest, saying, "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Significance of the Dedication Hannah's dedication of Samuel is a profound act of faith and obedience. It underscores the importance of fulfilling vows made to God and demonstrates a deep trust in His sovereignty. Hannah's willingness to give back to God what she had long desired illustrates a selfless devotion and recognition of God's ultimate authority over her life and the life of her son. Samuel's Role in Israel Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD and became one of Israel's greatest prophets and last judges. His life and ministry were pivotal in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. Samuel anointed both Saul and David as kings, playing a crucial role in shaping the nation's history. Theological Themes The dedication of Samuel by his mother highlights several key theological themes: 1. Prayer and Faith: Hannah's account is a testament to the power of earnest prayer and unwavering faith. Her persistence in prayer and her trust in God's timing serve as an example for believers. 2. Vows and Commitment: The narrative emphasizes the seriousness of making vows to God and the importance of fulfilling them. Hannah's commitment to her vow reflects a deep reverence for God and His will. 3. Divine Providence: The account of Samuel's birth and dedication illustrates God's providential care and His ability to bring about His purposes through the lives of those who are devoted to Him. 4. Consecration and Service: Samuel's life, dedicated to the LORD from a young age, exemplifies the concept of being set apart for divine service. His ministry had a lasting impact on the spiritual and political landscape of Israel. The dedication of Samuel by his mother remains a powerful narrative of faith, dedication, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 1:11,22And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your handmaid, and remember me, and not forget your handmaid, but will give to your handmaid a man child, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come on his head. Nave's Topical Index Library Home Dedication. Letter v. Prayer and Fasting. The Upbringing of Jewish Children Kings The First Per??an Discourses - to the Pharisees Concerning the Two ... Christian Names. Footnotes: The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ... Hymns of Christian Devotion and Experience. Resources What does the Bible say about infant baptism / paedobaptism? | GotQuestions.orgWhat was/is the importance of the gates of Jerusalem? | GotQuestions.org What was inside the ark of the covenant? | GotQuestions.org Dedication: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Dedication by Idolaters in Setting up Idols Dedication of Property often Perverted Dedication of Samuel by his Mother Dedication of Self: Feast of Dedication Dedication of the Wall of Jerusalem Dedication: Consecration of a Place of Worship Dedication: Devoting Any Thing to Sacred Uses Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God Dedication: Law Concerning Dedicated Things Dedication: Must be Without Blemish Dedication: Offering Must be Voluntary Dedication: Solemn Confirmation of a Covenant Dedication: Subjects of Houses when Built Dedication: Subjects of Persons Dedication: Subjects of Property Dedication: Subjects of Second Temple Dedication: Subjects of Spoils of War Dedication: Subjects of Tabernacle Dedication: Subjects of Temple of Solomon Dedication: Subjects of Tribute from Foreigners Dedication: Subjects of Walls of Cities Dedication: Things Dedicated to God for Support of Priests Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Applied to the Repair and Maintenance of the Temple Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Esteemed Holy Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Given to Propitiate Enemies Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Law Respecting the Release of Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Levites Place Over Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Placed With the Treasures of the Lord's House Dedication: Things Dedicated to God: Special Chambers Prepared For Related Terms Dedication-offering (3 Occurrences) Dedication-gift (3 Occurrences) Dedication-song (1 Occurrence) |