Here is a question or two I might ask my Sabbath School class to get the discussion going:

Was Hannah right in making a "bargain" with the Lord to give Samuel to the Tabernacle?

Whether she was exactly "right" she made the vow and it was recorded because she kept her vow and God made something really good come from it.

I don't know if Eli would have been a better father to his own children if Samuel wasn't there, not likely.

I think Samuel would have been denied some childhood things by this odd vow. Growing up with older "parents" makes a child different. Perhaps that made him more responsive to God as well.

This is a great story! It sounds soooo much like Rachel's situation, (but she asked Jacob to give her children), Sarah, also thought she suppose to "fix the problem". But Hannah, prayed! And God heard and blessed her with a son. Hannah's promise was important and she kept it when the child was old enough to be weaned. To many today speak before they think about whether or not they will do what they say. This woman is a great example of holding to one's word.