Scofield Reference Bible Notes
1 Samuel 1

1Sa 1:3 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.

worship

Exo 23:14.

LORD of hosts

Deity (names of). Mal 2:16. (Genesis 1:1; Malachi 3:18).

Jehovah (LORD) of Hosts, Hebrew Jehovah Sabaoth. For the distinctive meanings of Jehovah, see Scofield Genesis 2:4, note. Sabaoth means simply host or hosts, but with especial reference to warfare or service. In use the two ideas are united; Jehovah is LORD of (warrior) hosts. It is the name, therefore, of Jehovah in manifestation of power. "The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory" (Psalms 24:10), and accordingly in the Old Testament Scripture this name is revealed in the time of Israel's need. It is never found in the Pentateuch, nor directly in Joshua or Judges, and occurs but rarely in the Psalms; but Jeremiah, the prophet of approaching national judgment, uses the name about eighty times. Haggai in two chapters uses the name fourteen times, Zechariah in fourteen chapters calls upon the Lord of hosts about fifty times. In Malachi the name occurs about twenty five times. In the utmost extremity, the Psalmist twice comforts his heart with the assurance "the LORD of hosts is with us." Psalms 46:7, 11.

The meanings and uses of this name may thus be summarized:

1. The "hosts" are heavenly. Primarily the angels are meant, but the name gathers into itself the idea of all divine or heavenly power as available for the need of God's people (Gen 32:1, 2; Isa 6:1-5; 1Ki 22:19; Luk 2:13-15).
2. In use this is the distinctive name of Deity for Israel's help and comfort in the time of her division and failure (1Ki 18:15; 19:14; Isa 1:9; 8:11-14; 9:13-19; 10:24-27; 31:4, 5; Hag 2:4; Mal 3:16, 17; Jas 5:4).

See other names of Deity, see Scofield Genesis 1:1, note; 2:4, note; 2:7; 14:18, note; 15:2, note; 17:1, note; 21:33, note.

1Sa 1:11 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.

Bible prayers (O.T.). 1Sa 2:1. (Gen 15:2; Hab 3:1-16.)

no razor come upon his head

Num 6:5.

1Sa 1:15 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.

poured out my soul

Psa 62:8.

1Sa 1:20 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.

asked him of the LORD

i.e. asked of God.

1Sa 1:21 And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.

Elkanah, and all his house

Gen 18:19; Jos 24:15; Psa 101:2.

1Sa 1:24 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.

ephah

One ephah = 1 bu. 3 pts.