And she vowed a vow, and said, O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. — 1 Samuel 1:11 KJV
And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” — 1 Samuel 1:11 NIV
Hannah’s vow is significant. She promises to dedicate her long-desired child to the service of the Lord, showing her understanding of stewardship and sacrifice. This can remind Christians that what we receive from God is not solely for our benefit but for His glory and purposes.
This verse, and Hannah’s story as a whole, encourages Christians to approach God with honesty and vulnerability in prayer, to trust in His timing and plan, and to live lives of dedication and service to God, recognizing that all we have is ultimately His.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father, I pray that You would look upon my afflictions with the same tenderness and compassion. May Your loving-kindness and mercy envelop me, reminding me that I am never forgotten, never forsaken. Grant me the grace to trust in Your timing and Your perfect plans, even when the path ahead seems uncertain. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
