Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary1 Samuel 1

Parentage of Samuel; Elkanah, Hannah, and Peninnah.This section introduces the family into which Samuel, the prophet, was born. Elkanah, his father, was a Levite from the respected Kohathite family. His ancestors were originally from Bethlehem (Ephrathah), but the family later moved to the hill country of Ephraim. Elkanah lived in Ramathaim-zophim, which may have been known for a school of prophets. Samuel’s birth would begin a new era of prophecy in Israel, as there had not been a well-known prophet since Moses and the early judges (1 Samuel 3:1; Judges 6:8 ). This background sets the stage for Samuel’s important role in Israel’s history.v. 1: The family of Samuel is described. Elkanah, a Levite, had ancestors from Bethlehem but now lived in Ramah. Ramathaim-zophim means “the double Ramah” or “the heights of the watchmen.” It may have been a place where prophets lived or were trained (1 Chronicles 6:33–34; Ruth 1:2 ). Samuel’s family was important, and God chose him to revive prophecy in Israel (1 Samuel 19:19–20 ).

v. 2: Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. This was against God’s original plan for marriage (Matthew 19:5,8 ). Hannah had no children, while Peninnah had several. This caused trouble in the family and made life difficult for both wives. God’s way is best, and human choices often lead to pain and conflict.

v. 3: Despite the problems at home, Elkanah was a devout man. He took his family every year to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord

v. 4–5: Elkanah tried to comfort Hannah and show his love for her, even though she was childless. At the festival, he gave her a special portion of the offering to show she was precious to him. This reminds us to support and pray for people we love, especially when they are discouraged (Ephesians 5:25 ).

v. 6–7: Peninnah was jealous and often mocked Hannah because she had no children. She did this even during worship at the house of the Lord

v. 8: Elkanah tried to comfort Hannah with kind words. He reminded her of his love, saying, Am I not better to you than ten sons? (Ecclesiastes 7:14 ). He wanted her to focus on the blessings she had, not just her pain. We should also remember our blessings, even when we face difficulties.

Hannah's Prayer.This section describes how Hannah, after being gently corrected by her husband Elkanah, turned her sadness into prayer. Instead of letting her sorrow control her, she brought her pain to God. Hannah’s story reminds us that even deep grief can lead us closer to God if we choose to trust and pray.v. 9: After Elkanah’s comforting words, Hannah controlled her sadness. She got up, ate, and tried to cheer herself. It is good to learn self-control, both over our feelings and our actions.

v. 10–11: Hannah went to the house of the Lord

v. 12–13: Hannah prayed quietly, moving her lips but making no sound. Eli, the high priest, saw her and thought she was drunk because her prayer was silent. Sometimes people misunderstand us when we are honest with God, but God always knows what is in our heart (1 Kings 18:27; Isaiah 58:4 ).

v. 14: Eli wrongly accused Hannah of being drunk and rebuked her. This was hurtful, but it shows that even good people can make mistakes and judge others unfairly. We should not be quick to think badly of others, especially when we do not know the whole story (Acts 2:13; Hebrews 5:2 ).

v. 15–16: Hannah answered Eli with respect. She explained that she was not drunk but was praying out of great sadness. She asked him not to think badly of her, saying she was pouring out her soul before the Lord

v. 17: Eli realized his mistake and blessed Hannah, saying, The God of Israel grant your request. He encouraged her to trust that God had heard her prayer. Sometimes, those who judge us wrongly can later become a source of encouragement and blessing.

v. 18: Hannah left the tabernacle feeling peaceful and hopeful. She ate her meal and was no longer sad because she had given her problem to God in prayer and believed He would answer in the best way (Philippians 4:6–7 ).

The Birth of Samuel; Samuel Presented to the Lord.This passage tells the story of God answering Hannah’s prayer by giving her a son, Samuel. It also shows how Hannah kept her promise and dedicated Samuel to the Lord

v. 20: God remembered Hannah’s prayer and gave her a son. She named him Samuel, which means “asked of God” or “heard by God,” because he was the answer to her prayers. Hannah wanted everyone to remember that Samuel was a special gift from God (Psalm 116:1–2; Proverbs 31:2 ).

v. 21–23: When it was time for the yearly worship at Shiloh, Elkanah went, but Hannah stayed home to nurse Samuel. She planned to bring Samuel to the tabernacle when he was old enough to stay there and serve the Lord

v. 24–25: When Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to the tabernacle with a generous sacrifice. She wanted to show her thankfulness to God and to dedicate Samuel for the Lord

v. 26–27: Hannah spoke to Eli, the priest, reminding him that she was the woman who had prayed for a child. Now, God had answered her prayer and given her Samuel. She wanted everyone to see that God hears and answers prayers (Psalm 66:16–19; Psalm 34:2, 4, 6 ).

v. 28: Hannah gave Samuel to the Lord