Topical Bible: Joy: Holy: Hannah

◄ Joy: Holy: Hannah ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Joy

In the biblical context, joy is a profound and abiding sense of happiness and contentment that is rooted in one's relationship with God. It is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and is often associated with the presence and blessings of God. Joy is not merely an emotional response to favorable circumstances but a deep-seated assurance and delight in God's sovereignty and goodness.

The Bible frequently emphasizes that true joy is found in the Lord. Psalm 16:11 states, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." This joy is a gift from God and is often experienced in the context of worship, gratitude, and obedience to His will.

Holy

The term "holy" in the Bible signifies being set apart, consecrated, or dedicated to God. It is a fundamental attribute of God's nature and is reflected in His people, who are called to be holy as He is holy (Leviticus 19:2). Holiness involves moral purity, spiritual integrity, and a life that is distinct from the world and dedicated to God's purposes.

Holiness is both a positional and practical reality for believers. Positionally, Christians are made holy through the redemptive work of Christ (Hebrews 10:10). Practically, they are called to live out this holiness in their daily lives, striving to reflect God's character and obey His commandments (1 Peter 1:15-16).

Hannah

Hannah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known for her deep faith, fervent prayer, and the joy she found in the Lord. Her account is primarily recorded in 1 Samuel 1-2. Hannah was the wife of Elkanah and the mother of the prophet Samuel. She is remembered for her earnest prayer for a child, as she was initially barren.

Hannah's account begins with her deep sorrow and longing for a son. Despite her distress, she turned to God in prayer, demonstrating her faith and trust in His power and goodness. In 1 Samuel 1:10-11, it is written, "In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. 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.'"

God answered Hannah's prayer, and she gave birth to Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord as promised. Her response to God's blessing was one of profound joy and gratitude, expressed in her prayer of thanksgiving found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. This prayer, often referred to as Hannah's Song, is a powerful declaration of God's sovereignty, holiness, and justice. It begins with, "My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation" (1 Samuel 2:1).

Hannah's life exemplifies the joy that comes from trusting in God's faithfulness and experiencing His blessings. Her account highlights the holiness of a life dedicated to God and the joy that results from His gracious intervention. Through her faith and obedience, Hannah became a vessel for God's purposes, and her son Samuel played a crucial role in the history of Israel as a prophet and judge.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 2:1
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Twenty-First Day. Holiness and Happiness.
... of joy may not be wanting. We have already seen how the first mention of God as
the Holy One was in the song of praise on the shore of the Red Sea; how Hannah ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-first day holiness and happiness.htm

Motives to Holy Mourning
... most eased when it can vent itself by holy mourning ... says Bernard, are sweeter than
all worldly joy.' A Christian ... When Hannah had wept, she went away and was no ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/8 motives to holy mourning.htm

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
... See it in the song of Hannah (1 Samuel 2:2), 'There is none holy as the ... let Thy Spirit,
from whom these words of holy joy and triumph came, so reveal within me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/murray/holy in christ/sixth day holiness and glory.htm

The Holy Spirit Our Helper in Prayer
... led by the Holy Spirit, and that His joy and His ... Hannah multiplied her praying,
"but she poured out her soul ... Our Divine Helper in praying is the Holy Spirit. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the reality of prayer/xiv the holy spirit our.htm

The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
... Hannah said: "I have poured out my soul before the ... many things that seem indispensable
to his joy and life ... when, pointing to the cross, the Holy Spirit imposes ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxi the love of the.htm

Joy
... but cleanses; it makes a Christian more holy; it causes ... out of which the flower of
spiritual joy grows. ... When Hannah had prayed, her countenance was no more sad ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/8 joy.htm

A True Story
... And so, ere many a day was done,. There was joy in the Home beyond the sun,. For
Hannah had entered the golden door. ... The Lord is holy, and just, and true,. ...
/.../bevan/hymns of ter steegen and others second series/a true story.htm

Mary, Future Mother of Jesus, visits Elisabeth, Future Mother of ...
... 15]; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit [sufficiently ... the babe leaped
in my womb for joy 45 And ... Her song closely resembles that of Hannah"I. Sam. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/vii mary future mother of.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 multiplied ... answered, sending a new day of holy gladness to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter vii i suspect i.htm

Samuel, the Little Server
... mother's name was Hannah, and her baby was a special joy to her ... Hannah held her baby
close in her arms ... she would lend him to God, to serve Him in His Holy Temple ...
/.../steedman/the babe in the bulrushes/samuel the little server.htm