The Babe in the Bulrushes

SAMUEL, THE LITTLE SERVER

It was some years after Ruth's son had been born in Bethlehem that another mother was made glad by the precious gift of a little son. This mother's name was Hannah, and her baby was a special joy to her because she had so longed to have a son and had prayed so earnestly to God for this great gift.

There was no doubt about the baby's name. He was called "Samuel," which means "God has heard."

[Illustration: "Samuel answered, Speak; for Thy servant heareth." 1 Sam. iii. 10.]

For had not God listened to his mother's prayers and given her her heart's desire?

[Illustration: The time came that she should take him to Eli.]

Hannah held her baby close in her arms. He was her very own, and yet he belonged also to God. She had promised, if her prayer was heard, that she would lend him to God, to serve Him in His Holy Temple.

Only for a little while could she keep the baby all to herself. T