Topical Encyclopedia Hannah is a prominent figure in the Old Testament, known for her devout faith and fervent prayer. Her account is primarily found in the first two chapters of the book of 1 Samuel. As the mother of the prophet Samuel, Hannah's life is a testament to the power of prayer and the fulfillment of God's promises.Her Trials Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. The other wife, Peninnah, had children, but Hannah was barren. This situation caused Hannah great distress, as having children was considered a blessing and a sign of favor from God. Peninnah, perhaps out of jealousy or rivalry, would provoke and taunt Hannah, exacerbating her sorrow. The Bible describes Hannah's emotional state poignantly: "And because the LORD had closed her womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. This went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat" (1 Samuel 1:6-7). Despite her husband's attempts to comfort her, Hannah's heart remained heavy with the burden of childlessness. Elkanah loved Hannah dearly and would give her a double portion of the sacrificial meat, saying, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8). Yet, the deep desire for a child and the societal pressure weighed heavily on her soul. Her Prayer In her anguish, Hannah turned to the LORD in prayer. During one of the family's annual visits to the tabernacle at Shiloh, Hannah rose and presented her supplication before God. Her prayer was marked by deep emotion and sincerity. She vowed a vow, saying, "O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head" (1 Samuel 1:11). Hannah's prayer was so intense that Eli, the priest, initially mistook her for being drunk. However, upon realizing her genuine distress, Eli blessed her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:17). Hannah's faith was unwavering, and she left the tabernacle with a renewed spirit, trusting in God's provision. Her Promise True to His nature, God heard Hannah's prayer and granted her request. She conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard by God," acknowledging the LORD's response to her plea. Hannah's joy was immense, yet she remained committed to the vow she had made. Once Samuel was weaned, she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh, presenting him to Eli and saying, "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Hannah's faithfulness to her promise exemplifies her deep devotion and trust in God. Her song of thanksgiving, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, reflects her profound gratitude and recognition of God's sovereignty and justice. Through her trials, prayer, and fulfillment of her promise, Hannah's account continues to inspire believers to trust in God's timing and faithfulness. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 1:1-18Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: Nave's Topical Index Library Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Joy Go in Peace What and Whence are These? The Inexhaustible Barrel From his Entrance on the Ministry in 1815, to his Commission to ... The Poor Man's Friend A Word to the Wavering Ones Discouragement Loving Advice for Anxious Seekers Resources What is the story of Hannah and Samuel? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Hannah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Elkanah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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