Daily Bible Reading – May 2022 God’s Renewing Word of Promiseনমুনা

May 4

Introduction

Hannah gives birth to a son and names him Samuel which, in Hebrew, means “name of God.” As used in today’s reading, the name also relates to the Hebrew verb for “ask”—Hannah has received from God the child for whom she had asked. After Samuel has been weaned, Hannah brings him to Shiloh to be dedicated to the LORD, in fulfillment of the promise she had made.

Scripture Reading

1 Samuel 1:19-28

Today’s Key Verse:1 Samuel 1:28a

[Hannah said:] “I am dedicating him to the LORD.As long as he lives, he will belong to the LORD.”

Reflect

As a sign of dedication to the LORD, Hannah promised that her son’s hair would never be cut (1:11).This was in keeping with a vow to be dedicated as a Nazirite, a word in Hebrew that means “to separate.” Nazirites were people who dedicated themselves to being ritually clean and serving God (see Numbers 6:1-8). Imagine yourself in Hannah’s place. What thoughts might she have had when surrendering her long-awaited child to serve God?

Pray

Faithful and loving God, I dedicate myself to worshiping and praising you for all your blessings to me. Order my steps this day so that all I do and say is pleasing in your sight. In your holy name I pray. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

1 Samuel 2:1-11: Hannah offers a prayer of thanksgiving.