1 Samuel 2:20 meaning

The passage highlights the significant moment when Eli blesses Hannah and Elkanah, expressing a prayerful desire for them to receive more children as a reward for dedicating Samuel to the Lord's service. This blessing not only emphasizes the value of giving back to God but also illustrates God's generative rewards for faithfulness. The context reveals Eli's role as a spiritual leader, contrasting sharply with the corrupt behavior of his own sons, who are leading Israel astray.

Eli's blessing in 1 Samuel 2:20 embodies God’s intentions of reciprocity between divine providence and human piety. Hannah's earlier act of dedicating her only son Samuel—her deeply cherished blessing—serves as a poignant reminder that sacrificial love, when rooted in genuine devotion, leads God to bless abundantly in return. Following Eli's blessing, Hannah experiences God's favor, ultimately giving birth to three sons and two daughters. This narrative beautifully illustrates that engaging in God's work is an investment that reaps eternal rewards despite present sacrifices.