What does 1 Samuel 1:28 Mean?

Verse Meaning

"The future of the story now to be told in I and II Samuel concerns not only the newly born Song of Solomon , but the rule of Yahweh to whom laments are addressed and thanksgiving uttered. No wonder the narrative ends with yielding, grateful, trusting worship." ^[1] [source]

The "he" who worshipped before the Lord ( 1 Samuel 1:28) may refer to Elkanah, the leader of the family and the main man in the context. It might also refer to Eli to whom Hannah was speaking. ^[2] I think it probably refers to Samuel, the most immediate antecedent of "he" in 1 Samuel 1:28. If this interpretation is correct, this reference marks the beginning of Samuel"s ministry, which all of chapter1anticipates. [source][source]

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Hannah obeyed the Mosaic Law when she fulfilled her vow ( 1 Samuel 1:24-28). This contrasts with the disobedience of Eli"s sons ( 1 Samuel 2:11-36). In Deuteronomy 28 Moses predicted the outcome of these two responses to God"s Word, and the writer of this book illustrated it in1Samuel1 , 2. [source][source]

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Hannah"s obedience resulted in great blessing. God blessed her with fertility, He blessed her and her husband with this child and other offspring ( 1 Samuel 2:20-21), and He blessed Israel with a spiritual leader. [source][source]

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"This beautiful story of a faithful mother in Israel whom God honored by giving her a son is the crown jewel in the argument of the book. Yahweh looks for faithful, godly men and women whom He can set over His People." ^[3] [source]

Godly parents should give their children away-to the Lord for His service. [source][source]

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Context Summary

Here is a delightful specimen of secret fellowship with God, and its results. Many were coming and going in the Tabernacle-court. It was no place for private prayer; and this sad woman had no opportunity for audible petition, so she spake in her heart. We may all do that amid the crowds that sweep gaily past us in their light-hearted way. Let us not grow weary. "She continued praying before the Lord." People may misunderstand and reproach you. The Eli's that judge superficially may leap to hasty conclusions, but pray on! Pray on, though the prayer seem impossible of answer! Pray on, though heart and flesh fail! Pray on, for God will yet raise the poor from the dust and the beggar from the dunghill! When you have committed your cause to God, go in peace and be no more sad.

"The Lord remembered her." Of course He did. He has graven us on the palms of His hands, and the ruined walls of our peace are ever before Him. The hour will come when, like Hannah, you will stand on the very spot where the prayer was offered, to confess that God has given you the petition that you asked of Him. God cannot fail, and His gifts are sweetest and safest when they are returned to Him by His children. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Samuel 1

¹  Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh
⁴  He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah
⁹  Hannah in grief prays for a child
¹²  Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her
¹⁹  Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned
²⁴  She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord