Samuel's Birth and Dedication

1There was a certain man of Ramathaim, a Zuphite1.1 Compare Gk and 1 Chr 6.35–36: Heb Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham son of Elihu son of Tohu son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2He had two wives; the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

3Now this man used to go up year by year from his town to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the LORD. 4On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters; 5but to Hannah he gave a double portion,1.5 Syr: Meaning of Heb uncertain because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. 6Her rival used to provoke her severely, to irritate her, because the LORD had closed her womb. 7So it went on year after year; as often as she went up to the house of the LORD, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8Her husband Elkanah said to her, ‘Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?’

9After they had eaten and drunk at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented herself before the LORD.1.9 Gk: Heb lacks and presented herself before the LORD Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD, and wept bitterly. 11She made this vow: ‘O LORD of hosts, if only you will look on the misery of your servant, and remember me, and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a male child, then I will set him before you as a nazirite1.11 That is one separated or one consecrated until the day of his death. He shall drink neither wine nor intoxicants,1.11 Cn Compare Gk Q Ms 1.22: MT then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life and no razor shall touch his head.’

12As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. 13Hannah was praying silently; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard; therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14So Eli said to her, ‘How long will you make a drunken spectacle of yourself? Put away your wine.’ 15But Hannah answered, ‘No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. 16Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.’ 17Then Eli answered, ‘Go in peace; the God of Israel grant the petition you have made to him.’ 18And she said, ‘Let your servant find favour in your sight.’ Then the woman went to her quarters,1.18 Gk: Heb went on her way ate and drank with her husband,1.18 Gk: Heb lacks and drank with her husband and her countenance was sad no longer.1.18 Gk: Meaning of Heb uncertain

19They rose early in the morning and worshipped before the LORD; then they went back to their house at Ramah. Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. 20In due time Hannah conceived and bore a son. She named him Samuel, for she said, ‘I have asked him of the LORD.’

21The man Elkanah and all his household went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and to pay his vow. 22But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, ‘As soon as the child is weaned, I will bring him, that he may appear in the presence of the LORD, and remain there for ever; I will offer him as a nazirite1.22 That is one separated or one consecrated for all time.’1.22 Cn Compare Q Ms: MT lacks I will offer him as a nazirite for all time 23Her husband Elkanah said to her, ‘Do what seems best to you, wait until you have weaned him; only—may the LORD establish his word.’1.23 MT: Q Ms Gk Compare Syr that which goes out of your mouth So the woman remained and nursed her son, until she weaned him. 24When she had weaned him, she took him up with her, along with a three-year-old bull,1.24 Q Ms Gk Syr: MT three bulls an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. She brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh; and the child was young. 25Then they slaughtered the bull, and they brought the child to Eli. 26And she said, ‘Oh, my lord! As you live, my lord, I am the woman who was standing here in your presence, praying to the LORD. 27For this child I prayed; and the LORD has granted me the petition that I made to him. 28Therefore I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives, he is given to the LORD.’

She left him there for1.28 Gk (Compare Q Ms) and Gk at 2.11: MT And he (that is, Elkanah) worshipped there before the LORD.