And Elkanah her husband said unto her, Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish his word. So the woman abode, and gave her son suck until she weaned him.
And Elkanah her husband said to her, 'Do whatever seems right to you; wait until you have weaned him; may the LORD keep his word.' So the woman stayed home and nursed her son until she weaned him.
Elkanah supports his wife Hannah's decision to wait until their son Samuel is weaned before taking him to the temple, trusting that God will fulfill His promises.
📚 Historical Context
In the era of the Judges in ancient Israel, families like Elkanah's navigated a time of spiritual decline and tribal conflicts, where personal vows to God were a way to seek divine favor. Hannah had previously vowed to dedicate her son to the Lord's service if God granted her a child, reflecting the cultural practice of offering children in devotion. Elkanah's response demonstrates the supportive role of husbands in family matters tied to faith, emphasizing mutual agreement in fulfilling such commitments.
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