(2) Bible Study 1 Samuel 1:19-28 (Keith Howard)

The text for Sunday, September 23.12 is 1 Samuel 1:19-28  (The Naming and Dedication of Samuel)

A number of developments leap out in this story

1. Hannah keeps her vow.  In our time we might be tempted to say nothing was written down, nothing recorded so there might be temptation to not honour the vow.
   
2. The significant role of sacrifice – of the bull, flour and wine. In ancient Israel, sacrifice was the prime means of communicating with God. It was neither cover charge or penance but a “giving over” to God. “When they performed sacrifices, ancient Israelites gave over to God some of what they believed God had given them, expressing their close relationship with God, and seeking to deepen that bond.” (see William K. Gilders, Sacrifice in Ancient Israel)
   
3. “In the Hebrew Bible, sacrifice always involves transformation.” In the story of Hannah and Samuel the offering of this sacrifice sets the stage for another transformation.
   
4. In commenting on this passage in Feasting on the Word, G. Malcolm Sinclair writes:

Hannah names her son Samuel, from a root word “to ask,” as if he were an answer to her prayers. Linguists feel that the root of Samuel rather means “Name of God.” This child, come among us through human will and the miracle of life transformation, is not ours for our ends, but belongs to and carries the name of God. It is so of each life, whether bullied in families, alone amid tormented thoughts, awkward in the community of faith, or waiting in the wings for life to begin. Such deep names are not ours to control or own. They each carry the purpose and nature of God. Each one we meet may well be that mystical, hopeful, riveting and terrifying catalyst that fuels the ongoing story of God.”

Dedication services are not part of our tradition (since we tend to practice infant baptism) but they are making a comeback in many Christian churches. Samuel is dedicated to the single purpose/use of serving God.

Some questions to ponder

1. Aside from wedding services, vows are not a practice commonly referred to in our time. Do you think this means people are less inclined to offer commitment through the exchange of vows? (This question of the depth of relationships and commitments has recently come to the fore through questions about the dramatic rise of practices like texting.)
   
2. We could regard Hannah as making a “deal” with God. What do you think?
   
3. If there was one practice, part of your life or relationship that you would like to see transformed, what would that be? Although the prime use of the word “sacrifice” in 1 Samuel does not refer to “giving something up,” what would you be prepared to give up/commit to in order for that to happen?
   
4. Is Hannah “giving up” Samuel a sacrifice in the biblical sense?
   
5. If “Samuel” does refer to a deep name of God, what would be some possibilities of “Deep names carved upon your soul” that you – or those you may know – carry?
   
6. Do you think there is a difference between being dedicated to something or committed to something? If so, how would you describe that difference? If not, why not?