ELKANAH MY HERO!

And she made a vow,saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life,and no razor will ever be used on his head.” 1Samuel 11

The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘If anyone makes a special vow to dedicate a person to the Lord by giving the equivalent value. Leviticus 27:1-6

But if her husband nullifies them when he hears about them, then none of the vows or pledges that came from her lips will stand.Her husband has nullified them, and the Lordwill release her
Numbers 30:12

We all grew up with the story of how Hannah made a vow and fulfilled it and God saw her faithfulness and gave her 5 more children..

Today's bible reading should tell us that ELKANAH is (as footballers call it) the real GOAT (Greatest Of All Times). Why? How?

The answers are in Leviticus 27 and Numbers 30..... they explained how a husband can accept or refuse the vow of his wife even unto God and how the to redeem a VOW and the value attached to each type of object to be redeemed. Meanwhile an offering cannot be redeemed (vs 28).

Instead of requesting that his wife redeem her vow with money, he told her in 1 Samuel 1 vs 23  that "do what seems best for you".  It today's language, it means " will it make you happy my love? Then okay"

Yes, Hannah made the vow that was to bring the great Prophet Samuel, but Elkanah's refusal (because this is the only child from his beloved wife Hannah) would have aborted his arrival.

Rather, Elkanah's love for his wife and acceptance of her decision to give Samuel to God was what brought the fruitfulness of 5 more children to Hannah.

NOTE:
1. Elkanah's consent took the priesthood from the tribe of Levi to the tribe of Ephraim.

2. Elkanah's consent ensured that God had a replacement when all seeds of Prophet Eli's loins were not God-quality.

Elkanah, the real MVP  (Most Valuable Player).

Elkanah my hero!!!

Prayer
When I get to a junction in my life where I am to make critical decision(s).... Holy Spirit, let Your decision supercede the decision of my heart/head in Jesus name.

Shalom!