Topical Encyclopedia The weeping of Hannah is a poignant episode found in the first book of Samuel, which highlights the deep personal anguish and fervent faith of a woman who would become the mother of the prophet Samuel. This narrative is set during the period of the judges, a time characterized by social and spiritual upheaval in Israel.Biblical Context Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. The other wife, Peninnah, had children, but Hannah was barren. This situation caused great distress for Hannah, as having children was considered a blessing and a sign of favor from God. Peninnah, perhaps out of jealousy or rivalry, would provoke Hannah severely to irritate her, exacerbating her sorrow (1 Samuel 1:6-7). Hannah's Weeping and Prayer Hannah's weeping is most vividly described during the family's annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, where they went to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts. On one such occasion, Hannah's grief overwhelmed her, and she wept bitterly. She did not eat and was deeply distressed, pouring out her soul before the LORD in prayer (1 Samuel 1:10). Her prayer was marked by a vow: "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). Eli's Misunderstanding and Blessing As Hannah prayed silently, only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Eli, the priest, observed her and mistakenly thought she was drunk. When he confronted her, Hannah explained her situation, saying, "I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor 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 Response and the Birth of Samuel After this encounter, Hannah's demeanor changed; she ate and was no longer downcast. The LORD remembered her, and in due time, she conceived and bore a son, naming him Samuel, which means "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 house of the LORD at Shiloh and dedicated him to the LORD's service (1 Samuel 1:24-28). Significance Hannah's weeping and subsequent prayer are significant for several reasons. Her account exemplifies the power of fervent prayer and the faithfulness of God in responding to the cries of His people. Hannah's vow and her fulfillment of it demonstrate her deep commitment to God, even in the face of personal sacrifice. Her faith and dedication set the stage for Samuel's life and ministry, which would have a profound impact on the history of Israel. Hannah's song of thanksgiving, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, echoes themes of divine justice and deliverance, foreshadowing the messianic hope that would be fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 1:17Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant you your petition that you have asked of him. Nave's Topical Index Library The Child Samuel. Motives to Holy Mourning The Formation of Habits. Christ's Sermon on the Mount in Manner and Contents it So ... Elijah --Passionate in Prayer I Suspect I have Been Allotting Habitually Too Little Time to ... Home-Sympathy. A Table to the First Book, According to the Order and Subject of ... Joy The King --Continued. Resources Why is Jeremiah known as the weeping prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible mean when it refers to the gnashing of teeth? | GotQuestions.org What is the Valley of Baca in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Weeping: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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