The Lord graciously heard the cry of His handmaid, and in due time the son was born and was named Samuel, which means “asked of God.” Forthwith the mother dedicated him to the Lord, according to that which she vowed when she prayed. He was to be a Nazarite of God. Precious example to believing mothers in all ages. Let us pause here, and ask ourselves—we who are parents—whether we desire for our children above all things separation to God? Or is it possible that we wish them to distinguish themselves in this scene where Christ is despised?
How often we read in the records of Israel's kings that “his mother's name was.” Is this meant to be suggestive that the mothers have pre-eminently the shaping of the character of their offspring? It is certain that Timothy owed immensely to his grandmother, Lois and to his mother, Eunice (2 Tim. 1:55When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also. (2 Timothy 1:5)).
When Hannah had weaned the child, she took him to Shiloh, and on the ground of sacrifice dedicated him to the Lord. The slain bullock for the burnt offering speaks of Christ in the absolute devotedness of His death, the ephah of flour of what He was in His lowly manhood under the eye of God, and the bottle of wine of the joy that Gad ever found in Him. Thus typically in the value of all that Christ is to God was the boy Samuel presented to the Lord. “And he worshipped the Lord there” (1 Sam. 1:2828Therefore 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. (1 Samuel 1:28)).