What does 1 Samuel 2:1 mean?

The Lord has given to Hannah a great gift. He heard her request for a son and honored her vow to give that son back to the Lord for a lifetime of service in the tabernacle (1 Samuel 1:11). After declaring that she was entrusting Samuel to the Lord for his entire life (1 Samuel 1:28), Hannah offers the prayer that begins this chapter, directing it to God.

In truth, Hannah's prayer is a song, a poem, about the goodness and greatness of the Lord. Did she write it ahead of time or did it come upon her in the moment? We don't know. Hers will become one of the most significant songs of praise to the Lord in all of Scripture, however, as well as having influence on other songs of praise. It was likely an influence on Psalm 113 as well as Mary's song in Luke 1:46–55, which is often called the Magnificat.

The themes in Hannah's song serve as an introduction to 1 and 2 Samuel. It officially opens the books, in a sense, while David's songs bring the set to a close in 2 Samuel 22 and 23.

Hannah begins the song on a personal level. She says that her own heart exults in the Lord and that her "horn" is exalted in Him. The horn, used by animals for defense and in battle as a weapon, was a symbol of strength and dignity in this era. Hannah sees that in giving to her the desire of her heart, the Lord has made her strong.

She adds that her mouth derides her enemies. Some commentators see this line as a jab at Peninnah, her husband's second wife who had tormented Hannah about her infertility (1 Samuel 1:2, 6). Given the context of the rest of the song, though, most commentators believe Hannah to be speaking of the enemies of Israel as her own enemies.

In either case, Hannah rejoices in the salvation of the Lord, both for herself personally and for God's victory over those who would harm Israel.