Topical Encyclopedia Hannah, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is best known as the mother of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets and last judge. Her account is primarily found in the first two chapters of the First Book of Samuel. Hannah's deep faith and dedication to God are exemplified through her actions and the fulfillment of her vow to the Lord.Background and Vow Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. Despite Elkanah's love for her, Hannah was barren, which caused her great distress, especially in the face of provocation from Elkanah's other wife, Peninnah, who had children. In her anguish, Hannah prayed earnestly to the Lord at the tabernacle in Shiloh, vowing that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord all the days of his life (1 Samuel 1:11). Birth of Samuel and Fulfillment of the Vow God answered Hannah's prayer, and she gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard of God." True to her vow, after Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. There, she presented him to Eli the priest, 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). Annual Visits to the Temple Hannah's commitment to her vow did not end with Samuel's dedication. Each year, she and her husband Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to offer the annual sacrifice. During these visits, Hannah would bring a little robe for Samuel, a testament to her ongoing care and love for her son, even as he served in the temple under Eli's guidance (1 Samuel 2:19). Significance of Hannah's Visits Hannah's annual visits to the temple underscore her enduring faith and the importance of family and spiritual dedication. Her actions reflect a deep trust in God's plan and a willingness to honor her commitments to Him. These visits also highlight the nurturing relationship between Hannah and Samuel, as she continued to support him in his service to the Lord. Legacy Hannah's account is a powerful example of faith, prayer, and the fulfillment of vows. Her dedication to God and her son Samuel set a precedent for spiritual devotion and parental responsibility. Through her faithfulness, Hannah played a crucial role in the history of Israel, as Samuel would go on to anoint the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David, shaping the nation's future. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 2:18,19But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. Nave's Topical Index Library The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Carey's Last Days The Third Continental Journey, or the Journey to Greece. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Memoir of John Bunyan The Acceptable Sacrifice; part ii Resources Does God answer prayers? | GotQuestions.orgIs public prayer biblical? Is it okay to pray in public? | GotQuestions.org Questions about 1 Samuel | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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