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Hannah
Mother of Samuel
c. 1100 BC
Hannah Presenting Samuel to Eli — Aert de Gelder
Biography
Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah. Though beloved by her husband, she was barren while her rival Peninnah had children and provoked her bitterly year after year. At Shiloh, Hannah poured out her soul to God in such intense prayer that Eli the priest thought she was drunk. She vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the LORD for life. God remembered Hannah, and she conceived Samuel. True to her vow, Hannah brought young Samuel to Shiloh after weaning him, presenting him to the LORD's service. Her song of praise (1 Samuel 2:1-10) anticipates Mary's Magnificat and celebrates God's reversal of fortunes. Hannah's prayer and sacrifice produced Israel's greatest judge and prophet. Her example teaches the power of persistent, heartfelt prayer and faithful vows.
O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me.
Hannah's prayer for a child
Key events
- 1Prayed for a son1 Samuel 1:9-18→
Hannah poured out her heart to God at Shiloh
Read the verse here
1 Samuel 1:9-18So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD.
- 2God answered1 Samuel 1:19-20→
Hannah conceived and bore Samuel
Read the verse here
1 Samuel 1:19-20The next morning Elkanah and Hannah got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her.
- 3Dedicated Samuel1 Samuel 1:24-28→
Hannah brought Samuel to serve at Shiloh
Read the verse here
1 Samuel 1:24-28Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. Though the boy was still young, she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh.
- 4Song of praise1 Samuel 2:1-10→
Hannah praised God for His salvation
Read the verse here
1 Samuel 2:1-10At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD in whom my horn is exalted. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.
More key verses
“My heart exults in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD.”
What they got right, and what they got wrong
Strengths
Persistent prayer, faithful to vow, heart of worship, trusted God in sorrow
Weaknesses
Initially bitter in grief (though this was turned to prayer)
Lessons
Persistent prayer prevails. Sorrow can be turned to joy. Our greatest gifts belong to God. Praise follows answered prayer.
Spiritual significance
Hannah demonstrates the power of persistent, heartfelt prayer. Her dedication of Samuel shows that our greatest gifts should be given back to God.
How Hannah points to Jesus
Hannah's song of praise anticipates Mary's Magnificat. Both celebrate God's reversal of the proud and exaltation of the humble.
Hannah in Scripture
19 verses use this name, in 1 book. Open a book to read its mentions here. Text: Berean Standard Bible. Names repeat in Scripture, some of these verses may speak of another person called Hannah.
Old Testament1 book · 19 mentions
1 Samuel19 mentions
- 1 Samuel 1:2He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.
- 1 Samuel 1:5But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.
- 1 Samuel 1:6Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously.
- 1 Samuel 1:7And 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 1:8“Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”
14 further mentions in 1 Samuel — read them in the book.
Study trails
through Hannah's story
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