Once Hannah poured out her heart to the Lord and petitioned for a son who would help draw the Israelites back to God, she praised God before He even granted her prayer.
Hannah and Elkanah left Shiloh and returned to Ramathaim, and in due time, Hannah bore a son. She called his name Samuel, saying, “I have asked for him from the LORD.” (1 Samuel 1:20 ESV)
When it came time to go for their yearly sacrifice, Hannah stayed home, telling her husband that she would remain at home until Samuel was weaned, then she would take him to the tabernacle so that he might appear before the Lord and remain there forever. (v. 22)
Elkanah accepted what she said, giving her permission to do what she thought best.
Hannah nursed her son until he was weaned. Then she took him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. She brought a burnt offering and presented Samuel to Eli the priest. She reminded him of when she’d been there praying for a son, and Samuel was the answer to that prayer.
Hannah told Eli that she was lending Samuel to the Lord for as long as he lived. The the family worshipped the Lord.
Hannah and Elkanah left Samuel with Eli, but each year they would make their trek to Shiloh for their yearly sacrifice. Hannah would make him a little robe and bring it to him.
Eli blessed Elkanah and Hannah, asking the Lord to give them descendants for the loan that was given to the Lord. And God delivered, blessing Hannah with three sons and two daughters.
No matter how much we give, we can never outgive God.
Read about Hannah’s son in Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:19-29
