Day 28*: I prayed for this child

  (credit: Varsha Salome)

I prayed for this child

These are poignant words from Hannah. For a long time childless and frequently the butt of jokes and taunts from her co-wife Peninnha, Hannah was at last pregnant and brought forth her first born. She named him Samuel for as she declared “I asked the Lord for him”. She says pretty much the same thing when she takes the boy to the temple and puts him under Eli’s charge.

This child! Hannah could not have known how Samuel would grow, how his character would shape; much less anything about his eventual rise as priest and prophet whom the whole country would respect. More importantly at this point she had little idea that she will bring forth other children. She asked the Lord for Samuel and Samuel must serve Him all his life. No quibbling at all!

A purpose driven dedication!