1 Samuel 2:20

Arabic Simplified (الكِتاب المُقَدَّس: التَّرْجَمَةُ العَرَبِيَّةُ المُبَسَّطَةُ)

وَكَانَ مِنْ عَادَةِ عَالِي أنْ يُبَارِكَ ألقَانَةَ وَزَوْجَتَهُ، فَيَقُولُ لِألقَانَةَ: «لَيْتَ اللهَ يُعطِيكَ أبْنَاءً مِنْ زَوْجَتِكَ هَذِهِ تَعْوِيضًا عَنِ الوَلَدِ الَّذِي كَرَّسَتْهُ للهِ.» بَعْدَ ذَلِكَ، كَانَ ألقَانَةُ وَحَنَّةُ يَعُودَانِ إلَى بَيْتِهِمَا.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that Eli, the priest, blessed Elkanah and his wife by praying that God would give them children because of their loan to the Lord. The couple then returned home. The key message is about God's blessings and the importance of faith.

Explained for Children

Imagine you lent your favorite toy to your friend, and your parents were so happy that they said the toy fairies would give you more toys as a reward. That's kind of what Eli did here. He blessed Elkanah and his wife because they lent something important to God.

Historical Background

This verse is from the Book of 1 Samuel, written by the prophets Samuel, Nathan, and Gad. It was composed around the 10th century BCE, during the time of the Judges in Israel. The audience was primarily the Israelites, and it reflects the cultural setting of the ancient Near East where priests held significant religious authority.

Living It Out Today

Imagine a couple who has been struggling to have a child. They decide to dedicate their lives to a worthy cause, such as volunteering at a charity. As they do this, they find comfort and hope, and eventually, they are blessed with a child. This verse reminds us that when we trust and serve God, He can bless us in unexpected ways.

Topics

• blessings
• faith
• hope
• prayer
• dedication
• reward

Related Verses

• Genesis 12:2
• Psalm 127:3
• Luke 1:13
• Ephesians 6:1-3
• Genesis 17:6

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to lend to the Lord?

Lending to the Lord refers to dedicating something of value to God, such as time, talents, or possessions, with the expectation that God will bless you in return. It's about faith and trust in God's provision.

How does this verse relate to prayer?

Eli's blessing is a form of prayer, where he asks God to bless Elkanah and his wife. This verse shows the power of prayer and how it can bring blessings and comfort.

What can we learn about Eli as a priest?

Eli is depicted as a priest who blesses others and intercedes with God on their behalf. This shows the role of priests in ancient Israel as intermediaries between God and the people.

How does this verse connect with other stories in the Bible?

This verse connects with other stories that emphasize God's blessings in response to faith and dedication, such as Abraham's story in Genesis or Hannah's story in 1 Samuel itself.