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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 1 - Verse 28

1:28
Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

Meaning

In this verse from the book of 1 Samuel, Hannah is expressing her gratitude to God for blessing her with a son, Samuel. She recognizes that Samuel is a gift from the Lord, and in return, she dedicates him to God's service for his entire life. This act of dedication is a common practice in the Bible, where individuals offer their children to serve in the temple or fulfill a special purpose in God's plan.

By giving Samuel back to the Lord, Hannah is demonstrating her trust and faith in God's plan for her son. She understands that Samuel's life is not his own, but rather belongs to God, and she is willing to surrender control over his future to fulfill God's will. This act of dedication is a powerful display of devotion and obedience to God, showing that Hannah is willing to sacrifice her own desires for the greater purpose of serving the Lord.

Furthermore, the verse ends with Samuel worshipping the Lord in the temple, symbolizing his commitment to God and his desire to serve Him faithfully. This act not only fulfills Hannah's vow to dedicate Samuel to God but also sets the stage for Samuel's future role as a prophet and leader in Israel.

Theological Overview

In this verse, Hannah speaks about her son Samuel whom she dedicated to the Lord. The act of lending Samuel to the Lord was a form of consecration, signifying that he belonged to God and would be devoted to Him for his entire life. The word "lent" in this context carries a sense of stewardship, recognizing that Samuel ultimately belonged to God and was entrusted to Hannah for a time. This act of dedicating Samuel to the Lord from a young age highlights the importance of raising children in a way that honors and serves God. Samuel's upbringing by Hannah in the temple allowed him to grow in his relationship with the Lord and ultimately become a powerful prophet and leader in Israel. This verse also emphasizes the concept of worship as a response to God's faithfulness and sovereignty. Samuel's act of worship at the tabernacle acknowledges God's presence and authority in his life. Through this verse, we are reminded of the significance of dedicating ourselves and our loved ones to the Lord, committing to a life of service and worship.

American Standard Version

therefore also I have granted him to Jehovah; as long as he liveth he is granted to Jehovah. And he worshipped Jehovah there.
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