Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 1 - Verse 21

Elkanah and his family made a pilgrimage to the house of the Lord to offer their yearly sacrifice and fulfill a vow made to God. This act was a ritual of worship and obedience, where they would present their offerings and prayers to the Lord as a form of thanksgiving and supplication. The yearly sacrifice was a way for the family to show their devotion and commitment to God, honoring Him with their resources and time. Vows were taken very seriously in biblical times, and fulfilling them was considered a sacred duty. By upholding their vow, Elkanah and his household demonstrated their faithfulness and reverence for God. This verse highlights the importance of honoring one's commitments to God and the significance of regularly coming before Him in worship.

In this verse from 1 Samuel 1:21, Elkanah and his household are depicted as making their yearly sacrifice to the Lord. The act of offering sacrifices was an important aspect of ancient Hebrew worship practices, symbolizing the giving of thanks and showing devotion to God. The mention of Elkanah's vow also holds theological significance, as vows were taken seriously in biblical times and were often seen as a form of commitment or promise to God. This verse highlights the importance of honoring one's vows and fulfilling religious obligations, which were considered essential in maintaining a faithful relationship with God. The word "sacrifice" can be traced back to its Hebrew root, "zebach," which carries the connotation of an offering or gift presented to God. By looking at the deeper meaning of the words used in this verse, we can gain a richer understanding of the religious customs and beliefs practiced by the ancient Israelites.