MPV Commentary

Samuel Born.

The name Samuel was likely chosen with the consent of Hannah's husband. In ancient Hebrew culture, children were sometimes named by their fathers and sometimes by their mothers (Genesis 4:1, 26; 5:29; 19:37; 21:3). Compound names, which included a reference to God, were also common.

The man Elkanah went up to fulfill his vow, indicating his agreement with Hannah's commitment. This public declaration made her vow binding (Numbers 30:3).

Hannah did not accompany Elkanah to the festival, as men were required to attend these solemn events (Exodus 23:17). However, she was a devoted woman who normally joined her husband on such occasions. She chose to delay her next trip until Samuel was old enough to help her fulfill their shared vow.

The offering consisted of three bullocks, which is likely equivalent to one three-year-old bull, as suggested by the Septuagint translation.