The next morning Elkanah and his family got up early, and after worshiping the LORD, they went back home to Ramah. Elkanah had intercourse with his wife Hannah, and the LORD answered her prayer.

So it was that she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, and explained, "I asked the LORD for him."

The LORD blessed Sarah, as he had promised,

"Let us praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to the help of his people and has set them free.

The boy Samuel continued to grow and to gain favor both with the LORD and with people.

As Samuel grew up, the LORD was with him and made come true everything that Samuel said.

The woman gave birth to a son and named him Samson. The child grew and the LORD blessed him.

The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel.

The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God's blessings were upon him.

Jesus grew both in body and in wisdom, gaining favor with God and people.