Meaning and Interpretation

1 Samuel 1:20 marks a significant moment in the story of Hannah, a woman deeply distressed by her inability to bear children. This verse encapsulates the fulfillment of her fervent prayer and the significance of her child, Samuel, whose name means "asked of God." Below we explore the profound meanings derived from the verse through various public domain commentaries.

Insights from Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: Matthew Henry notes that Hannah's honor lies in her sincere prayers and the acknowledgment of God's answer. She named her son Samuel to reflect both her struggle and the divine intervention in her life, highlighting the significance of thanksgiving to God.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes emphasizes the importance of Hannah's vow to God. Her naming of Samuel signifies the fulfillment of her vow and her recognition that the child was a gift from God, affirming the intimate connection between prayer and divine response.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke details the cultural and spiritual implications of Hannah’s actions. By naming her child Samuel, she publicly acknowledged God's role in granting her request, thus setting a precedent for future generations on the significance of prayer and faithfulness.

Cross-References and Connections

This verse can be connected to several other biblical texts, illustrating the theme of God answering prayers and the miraculous nature of childbirth:

• Genesis 30:22-24: Rachel's prayer for children and God's answer, linking to the concept of divine intervention in barrenness.
• 1 Samuel 2:1-10: Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving demonstrates her faith and God's sovereignty, further exploring the themes introduced in 1 Samuel 1:20.
• Luke 1:13-14: The angel’s announcement to Zechariah about the birth of John the Baptist mirrors Hannah's narrative of answered prayers.
• Isaiah 54:1: This verse speaks of the desolate bearing children, emphasizing hope and divine promise in difficult circumstances.
• John 15:7: Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him, echoing Hannah’s faith and dependence on God’s will.
• Psalm 113:9: This verse proclaims God's ability to make the barren woman a joyful mother, enhancing the interconnectedness of God's promises.
• Hebrews 11:11: Refers to the faith of Sarah in childbirth, contributing to the theme of faith in God’s promises.

Thematic Bible Verse Connections

The entirety of Hannah's experience as recorded in 1 Samuel is undergirded by themes of faith, prayer, and divine providence that resonate throughout Scripture:

• Prayer and Supplication: The act of earnest prayer is highlighted in 1 Samuel 1 and connected to James 5:16.
• Divine Favor: The narrative emphasizes God's favor on those who seek Him, observed in Psalm 37:4.
• God’s Sovereignty: The insight that God has control over human situations is reflected in Proverbs 21:1.
• Covenant and Promise: God's promise to Eli is a parallel to His covenant with Hannah, seen in 1 Kings 8:15.

Guidance for Bible Study and Cross-Referencing

For those seeking deeper understanding of 1 Samuel 1:20 and its connections, utilizing various tools can facilitate a comprehensive study:

• Bible Concordance: Use a concordance to find keywords related to prayer and answered prayers.
• Cross-Reference Bible Study: Engage with different passages and their relations to develop a holistic view.
• Bible Chain References: Trace themes of divine intervention across various texts.
• Comprehensive Bible Cross-Reference Materials: Utilize books or resources that compile various references within scripture for in-depth study.

Conclusion

1 Samuel 1:20 serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness in answering prayers, transforming despair into joy. The intricate connections between this verse and others reveal the broader narrative of God's intervention in human affairs, establishing a profound understanding of prayer. By exploring these connections through cross-referencing and thematic analysis, one can gain rich insights into biblical teachings on faith, prayer, and divine providence.