But if I belong to mortal mankind, let me do my part in
establishing the race." (10)

Eli the high priest, who at first misinterpreted Hannah's long
prayer, dismissed her with the blessing: "May the son to be born
unto thee acquire great knowledge in the law." (11) Hannah left
the sanctuary, and at once her grief-furrowed countenance
changes. She felt beyond a doubt that the blessing of Eli would be
fulfilled. (12)

THE YOUTH OF SAMUEL

Hannah's prayer was heard. At the end of six months and a few
days (13) Samuel was born to her, in the nineteenth year of her
married life, (14) and the one hundred and thirtieth of her age. (15)
Samuel was of a frail constitution, (16) and required tender care
and nurture. For this reason he and his mother could not
accompany Elkanah on his pilgrimages. Hannah withheld her boy
from the sanctuary for some years. Before Samuel's birth a voice
from heaven had proclaimed that in a short time a great man
would be born, whose name would be Samuel. All men children of
that time were accordingly named Samuel. As they grew up, the
mothers were in the habit of getting together and telling of their
children's doings, in order to determine which of them satisfied the
expectations the prophecy had aroused. When the true Samuel was
born, and by his wonderful deed excelled all his companions, it
became plain to whom the word of God applied. (17) His
preeminence now being undisputed, Hannah was willing to part
with him.