Topical Encyclopedia Hannah, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for her miraculous conception, which is a testament to God's intervention and faithfulness. Her account is primarily found in the first book of Samuel, where she is introduced as the wife of Elkanah and the mother of the prophet Samuel.Background and Context Hannah was one of two wives of Elkanah, the other being Peninnah. While Peninnah had children, Hannah was barren, which caused her great distress and sorrow. In ancient Israelite culture, barrenness was often seen as a source of shame and a sign of divine disfavor. Despite her inability to conceive, Elkanah loved Hannah deeply and sought to comfort her, as recorded in 1 Samuel 1:5: "But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb." Hannah's Prayer and Vow Hannah's deep desire for a child led her to fervent prayer. During one of the family's annual visits to the tabernacle at Shiloh, Hannah poured out her heart before the LORD. In her anguish, she made a vow, as described in 1 Samuel 1:11: "And she made 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.'" Divine Intervention Eli, the priest at Shiloh, initially misunderstood Hannah's silent prayer for drunkenness, but upon realizing her sincerity, he blessed her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:17). Following this encounter, Hannah's demeanor changed, and she left with a renewed sense of hope and peace. In response to her earnest prayer and vow, the LORD remembered Hannah. The miraculous nature of her conception is highlighted in 1 Samuel 1:19-20: "And Elkanah knew his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, 'Because I have asked for him from the LORD.'" Significance of Samuel's Birth Samuel's birth was not only a personal blessing to Hannah but also held significant implications for the nation of Israel. As a prophet, judge, and leader, Samuel played a crucial role in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. His life and ministry were a direct result of Hannah's faith and God's miraculous intervention. Hannah's Faithfulness and Thanksgiving True to her vow, Hannah dedicated Samuel to the LORD. After weaning him, she brought him to the tabernacle at Shiloh, where he would serve under Eli's guidance. Hannah's faithfulness is further exemplified in her prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, which exalts the LORD's sovereignty and justice. Hannah's account is a powerful example of faith, perseverance, and the miraculous power of God to bring life where there was barrenness. Her experience underscores the belief that God hears and answers the prayers of the faithful, often in ways that exceed human expectations. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 1:19,20And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. Nave's Topical Index Library His Childhood and Youth. The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... The Women of the Gospel Narrative the Study of the Early Christian ... Carey's Last Days The Essay which Brings up the Rear in this Very Guilty Volume is ... Memoir of John Bunyan part ii Resources What is the Immaculate Conception? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach that life begins at conception? | GotQuestions.org Would a human clone have a soul? | GotQuestions.org Conception: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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