1 Samuel 1 - KJV & KBTP

For the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is his name.-9

1: The Strength of a Mother

Reading: Proverbs 31:25-31 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

The Bible honors mothers who are strong, wise, and diligent. A Proverbs 31 woman is described as clothed with strength and dignity, speaking with wisdom, and watching over her household with care. Her children rise to call her blessed, and her works bring her praise. This passage celebrates the nurturing spirit and resilience that define motherhood.

Reflection:
How can you embody strength and dignity in your journey as a mother or as a mentor to others? Pray for wisdom and grace to impact your family positively.

2: A Mother’s Faith

Reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-7 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Timothy’s strong faith was nurtured by two remarkable women—his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. Their sincere belief shaped his spiritual foundation, enabling him to become a respected leader. This story reminds us of the powerful influence that a mother’s faith can have on her children, passing down a legacy of devotion and integrity.

Reflection:
Think about the spiritual heritage you are creating for your children. Pray for your faith to be steadfast and inspiring, impacting future generations.

3: God’s Comfort Like a Mother’s Love

Reading: Isaiah 66:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.

In a beautiful comparison, God promises to comfort His people just as a mother comforts her child. This image conveys warmth, safety, and reassurance. When life brings hardships, God’s nurturing presence surrounds us, reminding us that we are never alone. Mothers often reflect this aspect of God’s character, offering solace and encouragement through life’s challenges.

Reflection:
Have you experienced God’s comforting presence recently? Take a moment to thank Him for His unwavering love and pray for the ability to extend that same comfort to your family.

4: A Mother’s Prayer

Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-20 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.

Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and surrender. Despite her years of childlessness and ridicule, she poured out her heart to God. When God blessed her with Samuel, she faithfully kept her vow and dedicated him to the Lord’s service. Hannah’s faith teaches us that persistent prayer and trust can turn sorrow into joy.

Reflection:
What are you earnestly praying for as a mother? Bring your deepest desires to God, trusting Him to work in ways that surpass your understanding.

5: Waiting on God for a Child

Reading: Psalm 113:9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.

This verse is a promise of hope to those longing for children: “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.” God sees the silent prayers of women waiting for the fruit of the womb, and His compassion reaches those who feel forgotten. Like Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth, many women in the Bible experienced long periods of waiting, but God’s timing brought joy.

Reflection:
If you or someone you know is waiting for a child, take comfort in God’s faithfulness. Pray for peace, strength, and hope, believing that God’s plans are good and His timing is perfect.

6: A Mother’s Legacy of Love

Reading: Ruth 1:16-18 Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

Naomi’s relationship with Ruth exemplifies love and loyalty beyond blood relations. Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi despite personal loss shows that family bonds can be forged through love, commitment, and shared faith. Naomi’s guidance and Ruth’s dedication eventually led to God’s blessing in their lives.

Reflection:
Consider the people God has placed in your life who feel like family. How can you nurture and support them with love and encouragement?

7: A Mother’s Blessing

Reading: Luke 1:46-55 For the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is his name.

Mary’s song of praise reflects a mother’s joy and humble gratitude. Despite the uncertainties of her calling, she glorified God for choosing her to bear the Savior. Her willingness to embrace God’s plan, even when it seemed daunting, teaches us to rejoice in the blessings we receive while remaining faithful through challenges.

Reflection:
Take time to praise God for the gift of motherhood and the privilege of shaping lives. Pray for the grace to guide your children in love, faith, and wisdom.

1 Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: 2 And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.

4 ¶ And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: 5 But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. 6 And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. 7 And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat. 8 Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?

7 Powerful Bible Readings for Moms: Strength, Comfort, and Prayer

¶ So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. 10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. 11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. 12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. 13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad .

19 ¶ And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. 20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying , Because I have asked him of the LORD. 21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow. 22 But Hannah went not up; for she said unto her husband, I will not go up until the child be weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the LORD, and there abide for ever. 23 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.

24 ¶ And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young. 25 And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD. 27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there.

Elikana ne nsha uwe ku Shilo

1 Kwakati ntolo kukabe kuna mmwe nlume we Ramataimu Zofimu mu shango ye matombo e Ifureimi, we zina lakabe liyi Elikana nkololo wa Jerohamu, Jerohamu ali nkololo wa Elihu, Elihu ali nkololo wa Tohu, Tohu ali nkololo wa Zufu we N'ifureimi. 2 Elikana wakabe ana bakadzi babili, mmwe edang'wa Hana, mmwe kuyi Penina. Penina wakabe ana bana, koga Hana asina bana. 3 Gole ne gole nlume iwoyu wakabe edwa mu nzi wa kanyi kwabo etathila ku Shilo enonamata ne pisila Yahwe Ndzimu Masimbawose zwibhayilo, ikoko kwakabe kuna bana ba Eli babili bali bapirisiti ba Yahwe, Hofuni na Finihasi. 4 Kwakabe kuti zhuba ha laswika lekuti Elikana apise tjibhayilo, wakabe edusa mitezho ye nyama epa nkadzi uwe Penina ne bakololo ne bakololokadzi babe bose. 5 Koga se akabe eda nkadzi uwe Hana, wakabe empa ntezho uwe kabili, nenguba Yahwe bakabe bannyima mbeleko. 6 Ngono nlongwana uwe wakabe egala entanga ngoti Yahwe bakannyima mbeleko. 7 Kwakadwilila kwakajalo gole ne gole. Wakabe eti ha eyenda ku Ng'umba ya Yahwe, nlongwana uwe wakabe entanga kudzina elila ebuya elamwa zojiwa. 8 Nlume wa Hana, Elikana wakabe esondwa eti, “Hana, apa unolilani kene? Ini usingaje kene? Wakashobeswa moyo ngeni kene? Apa anditokugadzamoyo kupinda bakololo bali gumi kene?”

Hana na Eli

9 Kwakati bali mu Shilo, bapedza kuja ne kung'wa, Hana kamilika. Ipapo mpirisiti Eli wakabe ali gele tjigalo pa hwunde ne phanda ye nkoba we Ng'umba ya Yahwe. 10 Nge kuhwa zogwadza, Hana kalila kwazo, ngono katembezela kuna Yahwe. 11 Ndizo katuna kati, “Imwi Yahwe Ndzimu Masimbawose, ha mabe mungalinga kudziyidzika kwe nlandakadzi wenyu, ngono mukandikumbula, mukasikangang'we nlandakadzi wenyu, koga mukapa nlandakadzi wenyu mwana we tjilisana, ipapo ndowompa Yahwe butjilo gugwe gose, ngono akuna lupando gunowontesela mu nsholo uwe.” 12 Wakati akadwilila etembezela mbeli kwa Yahwe, Eli wakabe akalingisisa nlomo uwe. 13 Hana wakabe etembezelela mu moyo, milomo iye izunguzika, koga hwi lile lisingahwike, ndizo Eli kakumbula kuti wakalaladza. 14 Ngono kambhuzwa eti, “Apa kowodza kukabe lini wakalaladzazo kene? Thubukana ne nkumbi uwo iwoyo!” 15 Koga Hana kan'dabila eti, “Akuzojalo tetshi wangu, imi ndi nkadzi wakadziyidzika kwazo, andizotongo ng'wa nkumbi we zhambi nakuto guli busukwa dumbu, ndadusila Yahwe meya yangu. 16 Musitole nlandakadzi wenyu se nkadzi usi we tjimwe, tjinga kwandatembezela nge shungu nenge kuhwa zogwadza kukulu kwazo kuswikila ngwenu.” 17 Eli kan'dabila eti, “Yenda nge mbakiso, Ndzimu we Iziraela ukupe tjaunokumbila muuli.” 18 Hana kadabila eti, “Dzene tshene mungabe ne ngoni mu nlandakadzi wenyu.” Ipapo nkadzi iwoyo kayendazwe, kaja, ne buso gugwe gwakashaladuka asitji mu kuhwa zogwadza.

Kuzwagwa ne piwa Ndzimu kwa Samuele

19 Tjimuka mangwanana Elikana ne be nsha uwe bakanamata Yahwe, kudwa ipapo bakabgwilila kanyi kwabo ku Rama. Elikana kawalilana ne nkadzi uwe Hana, ngono Yahwe bakankumbula. 20 Kuyenda nge tjibaka Hana kazwisenga kawana mwana we tjilisana kantumila zina eti Samuele, edwa kuti, “Ndakankumbila kuna Yahwe.” 21 Nlume iwoyo Elikana ne nsha uwe bakayenda ku Shilo kunopisila Yahwe zwibhayilo zwe gole ne kunoshingikadza kutuna kukwe. 22 Koga Hana kasiyende, kadwa nlume kati, “Kowoti mwana asinopkhwisiwa, ndowontola anon'yisa kuna Yahwe, ngono unowogalako tjatjose.” 23 Nlume uwe Elikana kanshandula eti, “Thama tjaunobona tjakakululwamila, galazo kuswikila umpkhwisa. Koga Yahwe bashingikadze dama labo.” Ndizo Hana wakagala mu nzi elela mwana uwe kuswikila empkhwisa. 24 Kwakati asinobe ampkhwisa, atji ntikinini kantola kayenda naye, akatakula nkong'wana we makole matatu akasenga hwomo ye bgwisa gwe tjiwunga ne gukhwa le nkumbi we zhambi, kan'yisa ku Ng'umba ya Yahwe ku Shilo. 25 Ndizo bakabhaya nkong'wana, bakayisa mwana kuna Eli. 26 Ngono Hana kadwa Eli kati, “Tetshi wangu! Se mutjatjila tetshi wangu, ndimi nkadzi wakabe alimile ipapa mbeli kwenyu, nditembezela Yahwe. 27 Ndakatembezela ndikumbila mwana iwoyu, ngono Yahwe bakandipa tjandakakumbila mubali. 28 Ndizo imi ndampila kuna Yahwe, butjilo gugwe gose unowobe wa Yahwe.”

Ngono bakanamata Yahwe ikoko.