Child Samuel
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Once more Hannah journeyed with her husband to Shiloh and
presented to the priest, in the name of God, her precious gift, saying,
“For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which
I asked of Him: therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as
he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord.” Eli was deeply impressed by the
faith and devotion of this woman of Israel. Himself an overindulgent
father, he was awed and humbled as he beheld this mother’s great
sacrifice in parting with her only child, that she might devote him to
the service of God. He felt reproved for his own selfish love, and in
humiliation and reverence he bowed before the Lord and worshiped.
The mother’s heart was filled with joy and praise, and she longed
to pour forth her gratitude to God. The Spirit of Inspiration came upon
her; “and Hannah prayed, and said: