Topical Encyclopedia The sorrow of Hannah is a poignant narrative found in the opening chapters of the First Book of Samuel, which vividly illustrates the deep personal anguish and spiritual devotion of a woman who would become the mother of the prophet Samuel. Hannah's account is set during the time of the judges, a period marked by social and religious upheaval in Israel.Background and Context Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. Elkanah's other wife, Peninnah, had children, but Hannah was barren. This situation caused Hannah great distress, as childbearing was highly valued in ancient Israelite society, and a woman's worth was often measured by her ability to produce offspring. The narrative highlights the cultural and personal implications of barrenness, which was often seen as a divine judgment or curse. Hannah's Sorrow and Prayer Hannah's sorrow was compounded by the taunting of Peninnah, who would provoke her "year after year" (1 Samuel 1:7) during their annual pilgrimage to the tabernacle at Shiloh. Despite Elkanah's attempts to comfort her, 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), Hannah's heart remained heavy with unfulfilled longing. In her deep anguish, Hannah turned to the Lord in prayer. At the tabernacle, she wept bitterly and 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" (1 Samuel 1:11). This vow indicates Hannah's willingness to dedicate her child to lifelong service to God, reflecting her deep faith and commitment. Eli's Misunderstanding and Blessing As Hannah prayed silently, only her lips moving, Eli the priest observed her and mistakenly thought she was drunk. When he confronted her, Hannah explained her situation, saying, "No, my lord, I am a woman oppressed in spirit. I have not had any wine or strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:15). Eli, realizing his error, blessed her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:17). God's Answer and the Birth of Samuel Hannah's prayer was answered, and she conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard of God," because she said, "I have asked for him from the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:20). True to her vow, once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to the tabernacle and presented him to Eli, dedicating him to the Lord's service. Hannah's Song of Praise In response to God's faithfulness, Hannah offered a prayer of thanksgiving, often referred to as Hannah's Song, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. This song is a profound expression of praise, exalting God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness. It reflects themes of divine reversal, where the lowly are lifted, and the proud are humbled, foreshadowing the Magnificat of Mary in the New Testament. Theological Significance Hannah's account is a testament to the power of persistent prayer and faith in the face of deep personal sorrow. Her narrative underscores the belief in a God who hears and responds to the cries of His people. Hannah's dedication of Samuel also highlights the importance of fulfilling vows made to God and the concept of dedicating one's life to divine service. Her experience serves as an enduring example of trust in God's providence and the transformative power of prayer. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 1:15And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Nave's Topical Index Library The History of Saul Hannah Praying Before the Lord. Concerning the Birth of Samuel; and How He Foretold the Calamity ... Motives to Holy Mourning I Suspect I have Been Allotting Habitually Too Little Time to ... Twenty-First Day. Holiness and Happiness. Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and ... A Prince's Bride Index of Subjects. Introduction. Resources What is godly sorrow? | GotQuestions.orgHow is sorrow better than laughter (Ecclesiastes 7:3)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about sadness? | GotQuestions.org Sorrow: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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