August 23

Introduction

1 Samuel 1:1–28: Today we begin reading excerpts from the book of 1 Samuel, which records the transition in Israel from the period of the judges to the monarchy. This change in Israel’s life revolves around the lives of three men: Samuel, the last of the great judges; Saul, Israel’s first king; and David, whose early adventures before coming to power are interwoven with the accounts of Samuel and Saul. In today’s reading, we are introduced to Hannah, who is childless and tormented by her husband’s other wife, Peninnah. Hannah prays to God for a son and her prayer is overhead by the priest Eli at the house of the LORD in Shiloh. Hannah gives birth to a son and names him Samuel which in Hebrew means “name of God”—and, in today’s reading, is related to the Hebrew verb for “ask.” After Samuel has been weaned, Hannah brings him to Shiloh to be dedicated to the LORD, in fulfillment of the promise she had made.

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

Children were considered a sign of God’s blessing (Psalm 127:3–5). What might Peninnah have been saying to Hannah? How would you describe Hannah’s distress? What did Eli think when he observed Hannah praying? As a sign of dedication to the LORD, Hannah promised that her son’s hair would never be cut (verse 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 serving God and were required to be ritually clean (see Numbers 6:1–8; you may also recall the story of Samson in Judges 13 and 16, in the readings from August 15 and 17). Imagine yourself in Hannah’s place. What thoughts might she have had when relinquishing 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.