Topical Bible: Joy of Hannah, when Samuel Was Born

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The joy of Hannah upon the birth of her son Samuel is a profound moment in biblical history, reflecting themes of faith, divine intervention, and fulfillment of God's promises. Hannah's account is primarily found in the first book of Samuel, chapters 1 and 2, where her deep longing for a child and her subsequent joy are vividly portrayed.

Background and Context

Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. While Elkanah's other wife, Peninnah, had children, Hannah was barren, which caused her great distress and sorrow. In ancient Israel, childlessness was often seen as a source of shame and a sign of divine disfavor. Despite Elkanah's love and attempts to comfort her, Hannah's heart was heavy with the desire for a child.

Hannah's Prayer and Vow

In her anguish, Hannah turned to the Lord in prayer during one of the family's annual visits to the tabernacle at Shiloh. Her prayer was marked by deep emotion and sincerity. She made a vow to the Lord, 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). This vow indicated her willingness to dedicate her child to God's service, reflecting her deep faith and commitment.

Divine Response and Fulfillment

The Lord heard Hannah's prayer, and she conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard of God," as she declared, "Because I have asked for him from the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:20). The birth of Samuel was a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to bring joy out of sorrow. Hannah's joy was not only in the fulfillment of her personal desire but also in witnessing the power and mercy of God.

Hannah's Song of Thanksgiving

Hannah's joy is further expressed in her song of thanksgiving, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. This song is a profound expression of praise and gratitude, highlighting God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness. Hannah exclaims, "My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in Your salvation" (1 Samuel 2:1). Her song reflects a deep theological understanding of God's character and His workings in the world.

Significance in Biblical Narrative

The birth of Samuel was not only a personal blessing for Hannah but also a pivotal moment in the history of Israel. Samuel would grow to become a significant prophet and leader, playing a crucial role in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. Hannah's faith and joy set the stage for Samuel's life of service to God and His people.

Hannah's account is a powerful reminder of the joy that comes from trusting in God's timing and purposes. Her experience encourages believers to remain steadfast in prayer and faith, even in the face of deep personal trials.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 2:1-11
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoices in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over my enemies; because I rejoice in your salvation.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Samuel, the Little Server
... This mother's name was Hannah, and her baby was a special joy to her because she
had so longed to ... He was called "Samuel," which means "God has heard.". ...
/.../steedman/the babe in the bulrushes/samuel the little server.htm

I Suspect I have Been Allotting Habitually Too Little Time to ...
... never wearied in urging upon others the joy and the ... Hannah gave herself to prayer,
and in sorrow she ... nation was oppressed, prophet and priest, Samuel was born ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vii i suspect i.htm

Bear up the Hands that Hang Down, by Faith and Prayer...
... The joy of answered prayer is the joy of a travailing mother when a man child is
born in to the world, the joy of a ... Hannah's praying gave Samuel to Israel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter ix bear up the.htm

Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ...
... And likewise earlier, in the book of Kings, [3948] Hannah the mother of Samuel gives
glory ... beauty (or glory) for ashes, and the oil of joy for mourning ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xiv christs sermon on the.htm

The General Conference of 1832
... Only let all who have been born of the Spirit ... our children should be partakers in
that joy, rather than ... examples of the wife of Manoah, Hannah, Samuel, and the ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

Household Salvation
... Let Abraham's prayer be for Ishmael, let Hannah pray for Samuel ... Bring each young
Samuel to the house of the Lord ... run of the text the object of their joy was that ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 17 1871/household salvation.htm

Letter cvii. To Laeta.
... repeated the story told us in the Prophets, [2672] of Hannah, who though ... 2673] Samuel
and Samson ... is also John the Baptist who when Mary came in leaped for joy. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cvii to laeta.htm

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ...
... Soon Elisabeth's neighbours and kinsfolk would gather with sympathetic joy around
a home which, as they thought, had ... the Song of Hannah, 1 Samuel 2:1-10 ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the annunciation of.htm

The Apostles Chosen
... Hannah prays and Samuel is born. ... "Never give it up, boys, Always say
you'll try; Joy will fill your cup, boys, Flowing by and by.". ...
/.../newton/the life of jesus christ for the young/the apostles chosen.htm

Home-Sympathy.
... this, from the pen of that truly pious woman, Hannah More ... parent, and be affected
to tears or to joy by them ... in the life of Joseph, and in the mother of Samuel. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xiv home-sympathy.htm