1 Samuel 1:1-28, NLT
1 Samuel 1
Elkanah and His Family
1There was a man named Elkanah who lived in Ramah in the region of Zuph*1:1 As in Greek version; Hebrew reads in Ramathaim-zophim; compare 1:19. in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, of Ephraim.
3Each year Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies at the Tabernacle. The priests of the Lord at that time were the two sons of Eli—Hophni and Phinehas.
8“Why are you crying, Hannah?” Elkanah would ask. “Why aren’t you eating? Why be downhearted just because you have no children? You have me—isn’t that better than having ten sons?”
Hannah’s Prayer for a Son
9Once after a sacrificial meal at Shiloh, Hannah got up and went to pray. Eli the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance of the Tabernacle.*1:9 Hebrew the Temple of the Lord.
12As she was praying to the Lord, Eli watched her.
15“Oh no, sir!” she replied. “I haven’t been drinking wine or anything stronger. But I am very discouraged, and I was pouring out my heart to the Lord.
17“In that case,” Eli said, “go in peace! May the God of Israel grant the request you have asked of him.”
18“Oh, thank you, sir!” she exclaimed. Then she went back and began to eat again, and she was no longer sad.
Samuel’s Birth and Dedication
19The entire family got up early the next morning and went to worship the Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah. When Elkanah slept with Hannah, the Lord remembered her plea,
21The next year Elkanah and his family went on their annual trip to offer a sacrifice to the Lord and to keep his vow.
23“Whatever you think is best,” Elkanah agreed. “Stay here for now, and may the Lord help you keep your promise.*1:23 As in Dead Sea Scrolls and Greek version; Masoretic Text reads may the Lord keep his promise.” So she stayed home and nursed the boy until he was weaned.
24When the child was weaned, Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh. They brought along a three-year-old bull*1:24a As in Dead Sea Scrolls, Greek and Syriac versions; Masoretic Text reads three bulls. for the sacrifice and a basket*1:24b Hebrew and an ephah [20 quarts or 22 liters]. of flour and some wine.