1 Samuel 1:23
“Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems good to you. Wait until you have weaned him; only may Yahweh establish his word.” So the woman waited and nursed her son, until she weaned him.”
What does 1 Samuel 1:23 mean?
Hannah had made a vow to God: if he gave her a son, she would dedicate that child to serve him at the temple for life. Now that Samuel was born, her husband Elkanah responds with something beautiful, telling her to do what her heart knows is right. He's not dismissing her promise or holding her back, even though it meant losing their son to temple service. What makes this moment tender is that Elkanah trusts both his wife's judgment and God's faithfulness. He releases their son before Hannah even has to ask, asking only that God would fulfill what he's promised. Hannah takes the time she needs with Samuel, nursing and caring for him fully, knowing this season won't last forever. Sometimes honoring what we've promised to God means letting go of what we love most, and sometimes the people closest to us help us find the courage to do it.