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.
Ver. 20. That she bare a son.] A singular son, Quem Deus immortalis nasci voluit ut esset in quo virtus per omnes numeros hominibus efficaciter se ostenderet, a whom God would have [to be] born for a pattern of piety.
And called his name Samuel,] i.e., Asked of God; sent me as a return of prayer, and therefore the more dear unto me: -
“ Quoniam charissima semper
Munera sunt, Author quae preciosa facit. ”
a Sic de Scipione, Val. Max.