Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 1 - Verse 22

When Hannah said she would not go up to the house of the Lord until her son Samuel was weaned, she was demonstrating her commitment to dedicating her child to God. In ancient Israel, weaning typically occurred around the age of three, so this would have been a significant period of time for Hannah to wait. By waiting until Samuel was weaned, Hannah was showing her faithfulness and devotion to God, as well as her understanding of the importance of raising her son in a way that honored the Lord. This decision also highlights Hannah's willingness to sacrifice her own desires for the sake of fulfilling her vow to God. Through this verse, readers can learn about the importance of patience and commitment in honoring their promises to God, as well as the significance of raising children in a way that brings glory to Him.

One theological interpretation of this verse from 1 Samuel 1:22 is that it demonstrates the deep devotion and faithfulness of Hannah as a mother. In this verse, Hannah refuses to go up to the temple with her husband until her son Samuel is weaned, demonstrating her commitment to caring for him and her desire to fulfill her vow to dedicate him to the Lord. This action highlights the importance of fulfilling vows made to God and the significance of raising children in a way that honors and glorifies Him.

Additionally, a word study of the phrase "until the child be weaned" reveals the Hebrew word used, "gāmal," which can also mean "ripen" or "complete." This sheds light on the understanding that Hannah planned to bring Samuel to the temple when he was physically mature enough to be separated from her, indicating her intention to raise him to a certain level of independence before dedicating him to the Lord.

Overall, this verse showcases the themes of faithfulness, devotion, and commitment to God, as well as the importance of honoring vows and raising children in a way that aligns with His will.