What does 1 Samuel 2:21 mean?
"And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD." - 1 Samuel 2:21
The verse 1 Samuel 2:21 in the King James Version of the Bible states, "And the Lord visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord." This verse comes from a larger passage that tells the story of Hannah, a woman who was barren and greatly distressed because she was unable to conceive a child. She prayed fervently to the Lord, and her prayers were answered when she gave birth to a son, Samuel.
The context of this verse is set in the time of the Judges, a tumultuous period in Israel's history. Hannah's story takes place in the town of Ramathaim-Zophim, where she is one of two wives of a man named Elkanah. The other wife, Peninnah, had children, which caused Hannah great anguish. However, despite her pain and longing for a child, she continued to pray to the Lord and express her faithfulness.
In this verse, we see the fulfillment of the Lord's promise to Hannah. After years of anguish and prayer, the Lord "visited" her, which can be understood as God showing favor and granting her the desires of her heart. This visitation resulted in Hannah conceiving and bearing five children, three sons, and two daughters. This demonstrates the abundant blessings that the Lord can bestow upon those who are faithful and seek Him with all their hearts.
The verse also highlights the growth of Samuel, who would go on to become a significant figure in Israel's history. It is noteworthy that the child Samuel is described as growing "before the Lord." This suggests that he was being raised in a manner that was pleasing to God, and that he was being prepared for a special purpose in the service of the Lord.
The themes present in 1 Samuel 2:21 include the faithfulness of God, the power of prayer, and the fulfillment of promises. Hannah's story is a testament to the fact that God hears the cries of His people and is able to intervene in their lives in miraculous ways. It also emphasizes the importance of remaining faithful and steadfast, even in the face of great hardship and despair.
Symbolically, Hannah's story can be seen as a representation of the hope and restoration that God can bring into the lives of those who trust in Him. The fact that Hannah's barrenness was reversed and that she was blessed with five children serves as a powerful symbol of God's ability to bring new life and abundance where there was once emptiness and lack.
Furthermore, the birth of Samuel holds great significance as he becomes a powerful prophet, priest, and judge in Israel, playing a crucial role in the transition from the period of the Judges to the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul and King David. As such, Samuel's growth "before the Lord" can be seen as a symbol of his dedication and commitment to serving God, as well as the divine guidance and protection that he would receive throughout his life.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 2:21 is a verse that holds deep meaning and significance within the larger narrative of the Bible. It serves as a powerful testament to the faithfulness of God, the transformative power of prayer, and the fulfillment of His promises. The story of Hannah and Samuel continues to inspire and encourage believers to trust in God's timing and to remain steadfast in their faith, knowing that He is able to bring new life and blessings beyond measure.
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1 Samuel 2:21 - "And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD."
"And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD." - 1 Samuel 2:21
1 Samuel 2:1 - "And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation."
2 Samuel 21:21 - "And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea the brother of David slew him."
2 Samuel 21:1 - "Then there was a famine in the days of David three years, year after year; and David enquired of the LORD. And the LORD answered, It is for Saul, and for his bloody house, because he slew the Gibeonites."
2 samuel 23:8-21
1 Samuel 8:21 - "And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he rehearsed them in the ears of the LORD."
1 Samuel 3:21 - "And the LORD appeared again in Shiloh: for the LORD revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the LORD."
1 Samuel 2:12
1 Samuel 21:10-15
2 Samuel 5:21 - "And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them."
2 Samuel 1:21 - "Ye mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, neither let there be rain, upon you, nor fields of offerings: for there the shield of the mighty is vilely cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil."
1 Samuel 22:21 - "And Abiathar shewed David that Saul had slain the LORD'S priests."
2 Samuel 21:11 - "And it was told David what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done."
2 Samuel 13:21 - "¶ But when king David heard of all these things, he was very wroth."
1 Samuel 23:21 - "And Saul said, Blessed be ye of the LORD; for ye have compassion on me."
1 Samuel 21:10 - "¶ And David arose, and fled that day for fear of Saul, and went to Achish the king of Gath."
1 Samuel 13:21 - "Yet they had a file for the mattocks, and for the coulters, and for the forks, and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads."
2 Samuel 21:22 - "These four were born to the giant in Gath, and fell by the hand of David, and by the hand of his servants."
1 Samuel 17:21 - "For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in array, army against army."
1 Samuel 1:21 - "And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow."
"And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation." - 1 Samuel 2:1
1 Samuel 21:12 - "And David laid up these words in his heart, and was sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath."
2 Samuel 22:21 - "The LORD rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."
2 Samuel 19:21 - "But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?"
2 Samuel 21:18 - "And it came to pass after this, that there was again a battle with the Philistines at Gob: then Sibbechai the Hushathite slew Saph, which was of the sons of the giant."
1 Samuel 16:21 - "And David came to Saul, and stood before him: and he loved him greatly; and he became his armourbearer."
“Then Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the Lord! The Lord has made me strong. Now I have an answer for my enemies; I rejoice because you rescued me.” 1 Samuel 2:1
1 Samuel 2:26 - "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."
2 Samuel 21:13 - "And he brought up from thence the bones of Saul and the bones of Jonathan his son; and they gathered the bones of them that were hanged."