Understanding 1 Samuel 2:19

Verse: "Moreover, his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice." (1 Samuel 2:19, KJV)

Summary of the Verse

This verse describes a touching scene in which Hannah, the mother of Samuel, annually visits her son at the temple to bring him a coat that she made for him. This act signifies her devotion to God and her son, as well as her continuing connection to her child despite having dedicated him to the Lord's service.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry's Commentary:

  Matthew Henry emphasizes the importance of Hannah's faith and dedication. Her act of making a coat for Samuel exemplifies a mother's love and her faithfulness in fulfilling her vows to the Lord. Hannah’s annual visits show her affection and commitment, reinforcing the bond between mother and son despite the physical separation due to Samuel’s service in the temple.

• Albert Barnes' Notes:

  Barnes highlights the practical aspects of Hannah’s gift. The coat signifies her acknowledgement of Samuel's new life in service to God. It serves as a tangible reminder of her love, and it reflects the kindness of a mother’s heart, providing for her child even when he is dedicated to the Lord’s service.

• Adam Clarke's Commentary:

  Clarke notes the significance of the coat as being a symbol of Hannah's ongoing relationship with Samuel. Each year she brings him new clothes, which indicates not just physical provision, but also emotional and spiritual support. Clarke connects this narrative to the larger theme of parental responsibility and the joys and sacrifices involved in raising a child dedicated to God.

Connections to Other Bible Verses

1 Samuel 2:19 relates to several other Biblical texts, highlighting the themes of dedication, parental love, and God's faithfulness:

• 1 Samuel 1:28: Hannah dedicates Samuel to the Lord, establishing the context for her continued care.
• Deuteronomy 6:7: Parents are instructed to teach their children about God, echoing the nurturing spirit of Hannah.
• Proverbs 22:6: This verse speaks to training up a child in the way they should go, similar to what Hannah does in raising Samuel.
• Psalms 127:3: Children are considered a heritage from the Lord, reflecting the value of Samuel in God’s plans.
• Luke 2:51: Similar themes of motherly care and the growth of a child in wisdom and stature are found in the context of Jesus’ life.
• 1 Corinthians 7:14: Speaks to the holiness that can come through a faithful parent, paralleling Hannah’s dedication.
• Isaiah 54:13: Here, God promises that all your children shall be taught by the LORD, tying back to the themes of parental love and divine influence.

Thematic Connections

The verse can also be connected to larger biblical themes:

• God's sovereignty: Hannah's experience reflects God’s control over lives and destinies.
• Faithfulness: The faithfulness exemplified by Hannah resonates throughout the Bible, as seen in figures such as Ruth and Noah.
• Parental commitment: Hannah’s actions are a model for parental dedication found in many scriptures.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, 1 Samuel 2:19 serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining a strong connection with children, especially when they are dedicated to important tasks or callings. It also teaches us about the balance between letting go and nurturing, encouraging us to support our loved ones while allowing them to fulfill their destinies.

Conclusion

1 Samuel 2:19 provides rich insights into the deep emotional and spiritual bond between Hannah and Samuel. The verse functions not only as a historical account but as a universal lesson in devotion, faithfulness, and the strength found in parental love. By observing the connections this verse has with other scriptures, we gain a broader understanding of God's covenant with families and the impact of dedication in our relationships.

Through studying this verse and its context, we can also develop our tools for Bible cross-referencing, learning how to effectively analyze connections across the scriptures, and deepening our understanding of the overarching narrative of the Bible.