Summary of 1 Samuel 2:11

This verse marks a significant transition in the narrative surrounding Hannah, Samuel, and their family. After dedicating her son Samuel to the Lord, Elkanah and his family return home, leaving Samuel to serve before Eli in the priestly ministry. This act of dedication signifies both Hannah’s fulfillment of her vow and the beginning of Samuel’s important role in Israel's history as a prophet and priest.

Commentary Insights

Drawing from various public domain commentaries, the following insights are presented:

• Matthew Henry: Henry emphasizes the faithfulness of Hannah in keeping her vow to the Lord. She didn’t hesitate to bring Samuel to the house of God, thus illustrating the importance of dedicating children to God’s service. Additionally, he observes Samuel's development under Eli's guidance, which foreshadows his significant role in Israel’s future.
• Albert Barnes: Barnes points out that this passage not only demonstrates Hannah's devotion but also highlights God’s providential arrangement in Samuel’s life. He connects Samuel’s ministry as a preparation for his prophetic calling, stressing the significance of it being carried out under Eli's mentorship in the tabernacle.
• Adam Clarke: Clarke describes the cultural context of dedicating children in Israelite tradition. He notes that this verse illustrates the familial dynamics as Elkanah leaves Samuel to serve, underscoring the sacrifice involved and the communal aspect of serving God. Clarke also remarks on the spiritual implications, suggesting that Samuel’s early ministry laid the foundation for his future leadership.

Bible Verse Cross-References

1 Samuel 2:11 can be connected to several other scripture passages that enhance understanding of its themes:

• 1 Samuel 1:27-28: Hannah's prayer for a son and subsequent vow to dedicate him to the Lord.
• Exodus 13:2: The tradition of dedicating firstborn sons to the Lord, setting a biblical precedent.
• Luke 2:22: The presentation of Jesus at the temple connects to the theme of dedication.
• Philippians 4:6: The importance of bringing our requests to God aligns with Hannah's prayerful dedication.
• 1 Samuel 3:19: Samuel’s growth and prophetic ministry, which ties back to his early service before Eli.
• Proverbs 22:6: The principle of training a child in the way he should go resonates with Samuel’s upbringing.
• Hebrews 11:1-2: Faith being shown through actions, much like Hannah’s dedication of Samuel.

Thematic Connections

This verse opens the door to multiple thematic connections within the Bible:

• Dedicating Children: The significance of dedicating children to God is a recurring theme throughout scripture, seen in Hannah’s commitment.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Samuel’s upbringing under Eli foreshadows the biblical call to mentor future leaders in faith.
• Divine Providence: The narrative exemplifies how God orchestrates events and people in preparation for His plans.
• Faithfulness: A significant theme is the faithfulness of both Hannah and God in fulfilling promises.

Conclusion

1 Samuel 2:11 is a pivotal verse that emphasizes the importance of dedicating one’s life and children to the service of God. Commentators highlight Hannah's role in this act of faith, as well as the broader implications for future generations in Israel. Through cross-referencing with related scriptures, we see a rich tapestry of themes that reinforce the significance of sacrifice, dedication, and divine purpose in our lives.

Further Study

For those looking to explore the connections further, the following tools can assist:

• Bible cross-reference guide for thematic studies.
• Utilizing a Bible concordance for identifying keyword connections.
• Engaging in cross-reference Bible study methods to deepen understanding.
• Accessing comprehensive Bible cross-reference materials for detailed exploration.