1 Samuel 2:18-21

2. Hannah’s godly influence on Samuel and its effect 2:18-21

In the previous paragraphs two statements about the main characters described them and framed the paragraph: they did not regard the Lord, and they despised the Lord’s offerings (1 Samuel 2:12; 1 Samuel 2:17). Likewise in this one the writer described Samuel as "before the Lord" at the beginning and at the end (1 Samuel 2:18; 1 Samuel 2:21). Even though he was very young and his service was probably menial at this time (cf. 1 Samuel 3:15), Samuel lived sensitively before God. The writer did not stress this sensitive spirit here; he only hinted at it. However it comes out clearly later (e.g., ch. 4).

In the central part of this section (1 Samuel 2:18-19) the writer documented the support and encouragement to serve the Lord that Samuel received from his parents. The linen ephod was a priestly garment, as was the robe (cf. Exodus 28:31; 2 Samuel 6:14). [Note: N. L. Tidwell, "The Linen Ephod: 1 Sam. II 18 and 2 Sam. VI 14," Vetus Testamentum 24:4 (October 1974):505-7.] Hannah dressed Samuel as a little priest showing that she respected this office and wanted her son to grow up valuing it. Similarly, today, sometimes parents buy things for their children that will give them a love for those things and encourage them to pursue interest in them (e.g., a football, a child’s cooking set, etc.).

Hannah’s obedience resulted in God blessing Elkanah and Hannah even more (1 Samuel 2:20-21). Among other blessings, God gave Hannah five additional children by overcoming her barrenness and making her fertile (cf. Exodus 1:21; Psalms 127:3). Furthermore, Samuel continued to develop in a promising manner (cf. Luke 2:40; Luke 2:52).