1 Samuel 1:27
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 1:27
27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 1 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of love, sacrifice, wisdom. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-28: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 1:27
27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
Analysis
Hannah's declaration 'For this child I prayed' is emphatic in Hebrew - literally 'unto this child I prayed.' Her testimony explicitly connects specific prayer with specific answer. The phrase 'the LORD hath given me my petition' (sh'elati) uses the same root as Samuel's name, reinforcing the naming explanation from verse 20. Hannah models testimony that glorifies God rather than self - she prayed, but God gave. The answer came from divine grace, not human merit. Yet God chose to work through human petition, honoring Hannah's faith-filled intercession.
Historical Context
Public testimony of answered prayer was common in Israelite worship (Psalm 22:22-25; 40:9-10; 116:12-14). Such declarations served both to honor God and to encourage others' faith. Hannah's testimony would have been heard by other worshipers at Shiloh.
Reflection
- How do you balance acknowledging your role in prayer with giving God glory for the answer?
- What forum do you have for public testimony of God's faithfulness?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Psalms 118:5
- Prayer: Psalms 6:9
- Parallel theme: Matthew 7:7, 1 John 5:15