1:1 Now there was a certain man of {a} Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
(a) There were two Ramatus, so that in this city in mount Ephraim were Zophim, that is, the learned men and prophets.
1:3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in {b} Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, [were] there.
(b) For the ark was there at that time.
1:5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy {c} portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.
(c) Some read, a portion with a hearty cheer.
1:8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? [am] not I better to thee than ten {d} sons?
(d) Let this comfort you, that I love you no less than if you had many children.
1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the {e} temple of the LORD.
(e) That is of the house where the ark was.
1:18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find {f} grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more [sad].
(f) That is, pray to the Lord for me.
1:19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD {g} remembered her.
(g) According to her petition.
1:21 And the man {h} Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
(h) This Elkanah was a Levite, [ 1Ch 6:27], and as some write once a year they were accustomed to appear before the Lord with their families.
1:23 And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his {i} word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
(i) Because her prayer took effect, therefore it was called the Lord’s promise.
1:26 And she said, Oh my lord, [as] thy {k} soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
(k) That is, most certainly.
1:28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he {l} worshipped the LORD there.
(l) Meaning, Eli gave thanks to God for her.