Definition: And he had two wives; the name of the one [was] Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Samuel 1:2. It’s a really interesting story about a woman named Hannah! Here's what it means in simple terms: Basically, Hannah was married to two men – she had two wives. “He had two wives” : This refers to two women who were part of her life and family. “The name of the one [was] Hannah” : This tells us that Hannah was the wife of the first woman. “And the name of the other Peninnah” : This refers to the second woman, who was the wife of the second man. “Peninnah had children” : This is a key part – Peninnah had offspring (children). “Hannah had no children” : This is where it gets interesting! Hannah didn't have any children of her own. So, the story highlights a unique situation: Hannah was a woman who was incredibly devoted to God and wanted to help others. She prayed for many years, and eventually, she prayed so fervently that God heard her plea. And through this prayer, God blessed her with a daughter – a baby girl named Samuel. Why is this important? It's a story about faith, obedience, and the power of prayer. Hannah’s dedication ultimately led to a miraculous birth, which is a powerful symbol of God’s grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain why this story is significant in the Bible? Give you more context about Hannah's situation?

Definition: Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, [saying], Because I have asked him of the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:20. It's a really important passage about faith and God’s plan. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Hannah is praying: The verse begins with Hannah, a woman known for her piety (she was very religious). She was praying to God for a son. She conceives: She actually did become pregnant! She gives birth to a son: And she gave birth to a baby boy named Samuel. Samuel says this: As soon as he was born, Samuel said something very important: “Because I have asked him of the LORD.” What does it mean? This is essentially saying that God’s plan for Hannah is unfolding. He has given her a chance to pray and receive a child. Samuel’s words are a declaration that he trusts in God's will, and he’s acknowledging His presence and power in his life. Key Takeaway: It highlights the idea that God works through us – we get to be part of His plan, even when we don't always understand it. It shows that Samuel’s faith is rooted in knowing that God wants something good for him. Why is this significant? This verse is a cornerstone of the story of Samuel and his role in leading Israel out of Egypt. It establishes that God has a plan, even for ordinary people, and that our faith is vital to it. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss why this verse is important in the larger context of the Old Testament?

Definition: And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:21. It’s a really important story about faith and obedience! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Elkanah was the father of Moses. He was a very wise and godly man. He made a big deal out of it – a yearly sacrifice. This wasn’t just any ordinary offering; it was a yearly one, meaning it happened every year! His family went up to offer this sacrifice to God. This is the core of the verse – they were making a commitment to worship and give something to God. What's the "Vow"? The word “vow” means a promise or oath that someone makes to God. In this case, Elkanah was making a vow – he was promising to give God something valuable, like a sacrifice of animals. Why is it important? This story is a very significant one because it shows: Faith: Elkanah showed incredible faith that he would follow God’s instructions. Commitment: He made a commitment to worship and give something to God, even in the face of danger. In short, this verse tells us about a man who took a serious vow – a promise to God – and his family went up to make it happen. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of 1 Samuel? Give you more context about the story? Or perhaps, do you have any specific questions about this verse that you'd like me to answer?

Definition: But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up] until the child be weaned, and [then] I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:22. It’s a really important part of the story of Hannah’s faith! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, Hannah is postponing her visit to God. Here’s a more detailed explanation: “But Hannah went not up…” : Hannah was hesitant and didn’t go to God. She wasn’t feeling ready or confident enough to seek Him. “…for she said unto her husband, [I will not go up]” : She told her husband, Samuel, that she wouldn't go up to worship. This is a clear statement of her intention – she didn't want to go. “until the child be weaned…” : This is the key part! Hannah said she would only go after her baby was born. She wanted to wait until the baby was old enough to be offered up as a sacrifice. “[then] I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever.” : This means she’d wait until the baby was fully grown and ready to be seen by God. She wanted to make an offering – a sacrifice – to God, and she hoped this would lead her to a lasting relationship with Him. She wanted to dedicate her life entirely to worshipping God. What's the significance? This verse is about faith and obedience . Hannah was willing to delay her desire for something (a child) in order to please God. It speaks to the idea that sometimes, we need to wait patiently for a deeper purpose or relationship with our Creator. In short, it’s about prioritizing God's will over personal desires. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a broader theme in the Bible (like obedience)?

Definition: And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:23 together. It’s a really important passage about faith and obedience! Here's a simplified explanation: Basically, it means: “Elkanah, her husband, instructed her to wait patiently for the baby to be weaned – meaning, to stop breastfeeding – until the LORD (God) establishes his word.” Let’s unpack that a little further: “And Elkanah her husband said unto her…” - This tells us who is speaking. It's Elkanah, and he's guiding her. “…Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him.” – This is the core instruction. Elkanah wants her to wait for a certain point in time. He’s asking her to be patient and not rush things. “Wean” means to stop breastfeeding, which was a very important part of childbirth and the process of bringing a baby into the world. “So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.” – This describes what Elkanah is doing – he’s nurturing his son with milk. He's keeping him safe and providing for him as he grows. What does this verse teach us? It emphasizes that God works in mysterious ways. He doesn’t just tell us to do something; He gives us the permission to do it, and then He guides us through the process. It's a reminder that God is always working for our good, even when we don’t understand why or how. In short, this verse is about trust and waiting for God’s will. It highlights the importance of obedience and faith in trusting that God will work everything out for the best. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss a specific aspect of this passage (like the significance of Elkanah's role)?

Definition: And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child [was] young.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:24. It's a really significant passage about a baby being brought to God. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: “And when she had weaned him…” – This refers to the process of taking a newborn baby from its mother's womb. It’s a crucial step before bringing the child into contact with God’s presence. “…she took him up with her, with three bullocks, one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine…” – This describes how the woman brought the baby to safety. She used three oxen (animals), a large amount of flour (food), and a bottle of wine (a drink). “…and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child [was] young.” – This is the key part! “The house of the Lord” refers to God’s temple in Shiloh, a special place for worship. The woman carried the baby to this place. And “the child was young” - meaning the baby was very small and new. What it's telling us: This verse is about a special, sacred encounter. It highlights that the woman’s devotion and care were so great that she brought a newborn to God in a significant and holy place. It emphasizes the importance of worshiping and seeking God's guidance. Overall Meaning & Context: God’s Presence: This story is often seen as an early example of how God interacts with humanity. Bringing a child into His presence demonstrates that God is present and accessible to us. Faith and Obedience: The woman’s actions – the careful selection of provisions – show a deep faith and obedience to God's will. In short, this verse speaks of a remarkable act of reverence and trust. It’s a beautiful story about how a person can be deeply connected with God through their devotion and care for another. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part in more detail? Connect this passage to other Bible stories? Answer any specific questions you have about it?

Definition: And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:25. It’s a really important story about a king and his son! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse tells us that a king (we can assume he’s referring to Saul) had a child with a woman named Hannah. Here's a slightly more detailed explanation: “They slew a bullock”: This means the king and his wife hunted and killed a large bull. “and brought the child to Eli”: This is where it gets interesting. They took this calf (the bull) and brought it to a priest named Eli, who was a very important leader in the Israelite community. So, what’s the significance of this story? It's a pivotal moment in Samuel’s life. It shows: A connection to God: The king was willing to sacrifice his own son for a relationship with God. This demonstrates a willingness to follow divine will and trust in God's plan, even when it involves difficult choices. A demonstration of faith: Hannah, a woman who was considered less important than the king, acted with incredible faith and devotion. She sought out Eli’s guidance. The beginning of Saul's downfall: This event is often cited as the reason why Saul eventually turned away from God and became a persecutor of Israel. In short, it’s a story about a king’s dedication to his son and the consequences that can arise when he chooses to prioritize faith over obedience. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context behind this story (like its significance in the Old Testament)?

Definition: And she said, Oh my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:26. It’s a really interesting and significant moment in the story of Samuel! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about acknowledging God's presence and being part of His plan. “And she said…” : This tells us this is happening after a specific event – Samuel’s mom, Hannah, has been praying to God. “…Oh my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.” This is the core of it. Let's unpack it: “She said…” : Hannah is speaking to God. “Oh my lord…” : This is a way of showing respect and deference. It’s like saying "Dear God," or “Lord." “[as] thy soul liveth…” : This means she’s alive, and she's alive because of God’s favor. (It’s a bit poetic - it implies that her life is a gift.) “my lord…” : This is a very important word! It means "Lord" or "Master." It emphasizes that Hannah is speaking to God as a high-ranking figure, someone worthy of reverence. “I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.” : This is the key part. Hannah says she is the one who was standing there, praying – and she was praying specifically to God . It’s a clear acknowledgment that she’s been dedicated to worshipping Him. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? It means Hannah felt incredibly connected to God and recognized her role as a witness to His presence. She wasn't just a casual observer; she was actively involved in prayer and recognizing God's power. It’s a moment of deep faith and humility. Why is this important? This verse shows us: Hannah's Faith: She was deeply committed to worshipping God, even in the midst of hardship. God’s Presence: It highlights that God actively responds to prayer and devotion. He’s not just listening; He's seeing and responding . Does this verse tell us anything about her role? It doesn't explicitly say what she does, but it shows that she was a significant witness. She was present and dedicated to praying to God, which is a powerful thing! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the scripture? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (like why Hannah prayed)?

Definition: For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:27. It’s a really beautiful and important part of the story about Samuel and God’s relationship with him. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “I prayed for this child, and the LORD (God) answered me.” Let's unpack that a little further: “For this child…” : This refers to Samuel, who was a young boy. “…I prayed…” : Samuel was asking God for something. “…and the LORD hath given me my petition…” : This is key! The Lord (God) responded to Samuel’s prayer. He gave Samuel his request or plea. What does this tell us about Samuel and God? Samuel was pleading: It shows that Samuel wasn't just passively asking for something; he was actively seeking God's help. God is responsive: The fact that the Lord answered him suggests a strong, personal connection between God and Samuel. It implies that God values Samuel’s requests and listens to his prayers. The Significance: This verse highlights several important things: Faith: Samuel's prayer was a demonstration of faith – believing in God's power and willingness to answer. Divine Guidance: It shows that God is involved in guiding and helping people, even when they don’t fully understand what they’re asking for. In short, it’s a simple statement about Samuel receiving God’s favor and blessing through his prayers. --- Would you like me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the context of this passage in more detail?

Definition: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:28 together. It's a really important and significant passage in the Bible! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, this verse says that David, a very important leader in Israel, has given someone – likely a young boy – to God. Let's unpack it further: “Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD…” - This is David saying he’s given something to God. "Lent" means to give or entrust. So, he's entrusted this person to God. “…as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.” – This is a really important part. It means that David is promising to keep this person (the boy) under God’s care and guidance while he lives . He’s saying, “I will always let him rely on God.” “And he worshipped the LORD there.” - Finally, this says that David then went and worshiped God in His presence. "Worshiping" means to honor and adore someone or something. So, he was showing his devotion and trust by spending time with God. What’s the big takeaway? This verse shows a deep commitment to God from David. It's about recognizing that God is in control and that we need to rely on Him even when things are difficult. It’s a foundational part of what makes David so important in the Bible! Why is this important? David was a leader: This verse establishes David as a righteous and devoted leader who trusted in God above all else. Foundation for faith: It's a key moment in the story of how David became a prophet and a figure of great importance in Jewish history. --- Do you want to dive deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, are you curious about: The significance of "lending" someone to God? What does “worshiping” mean in the context of the time?