She Made a Vow

Sometimes God’s people have to get serious when they pray. And sometimes, when they get serious, they make a vow.

Hannah did. After years of taunting and emotional persecution by members of the family, she had a purpose when she went on the family’s yearly pilgrimage to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. There she wept and bared her heart before God, and then she prayed, [I]f you will only look upon 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 . . .” (I Sam. 1:11a NIV)

After Eli the priest blessed her, Hannah returned home, and within a year she gave birth to Samuel. Several years later, when Samuel was weaned, Hannah fulfilled her vow. She took him back to Shiloh, and there she gave him to the Lord by placing him with Eli.

Samuel ministered to the Lord in Shiloh. He became a prophet who called Israel back to God. He was also the last judge to serve as the governmental leader of Israel. He even anointed Saul, the first king—and then he anointed King David.

The heart-felt vow of the desperate Hannah helped shape the history of Israel.

Originally published May 13, 1983.