Topical Encyclopedia Hannah, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is a profound example of waiting upon God with faith and patience. Her account is primarily found in the first two chapters of the book of 1 Samuel. Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. Despite Elkanah's love for her, Hannah faced the deep personal anguish of barrenness, a condition that carried social stigma and personal grief in ancient Israelite culture.Hannah's Distress and Prayer Hannah's distress was compounded by the provocations of Peninnah, Elkanah's other wife, who had children and would taunt Hannah about her barrenness. This rivalry and the cultural pressure to bear children drove Hannah to a place of deep sorrow. The Bible describes her as being "deeply distressed" and weeping bitterly (1 Samuel 1:10). In her anguish, Hannah turned to the Lord in prayer during one of the family's annual visits to the tabernacle at Shiloh. Her prayer was marked by fervency and 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). This vow indicated her willingness to dedicate her child to lifelong service to God, reflecting her deep faith and commitment. Eli's Blessing and God's Response While Hannah was praying silently, Eli the priest observed her and initially mistook her silent prayers for drunkenness. Upon realizing her sincerity, Eli blessed her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:17). Hannah's demeanor changed after this encounter; she left with a renewed sense of peace and hope, trusting in God's timing and provision. In due time, God answered Hannah's prayer, and she conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard by God," acknowledging the Lord's response to her plea (1 Samuel 1:20). Fulfillment of the Vow True to her vow, once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to the tabernacle at Shiloh to dedicate him to the Lord's service. She presented him to Eli, saying, "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:27-28). This act of dedication was a testament to her faithfulness and trust in God's plan. Hannah's Song of Praise Hannah's account continues with a beautiful song of praise recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. This song reflects her deep gratitude and theological insight, celebrating God's sovereignty, justice, and faithfulness. It is a prophetic declaration of God's power to exalt the humble and bring low the proud, themes that resonate throughout the biblical narrative. Legacy and Lessons Hannah's life exemplifies the virtues of patience, faith, and dedication in waiting upon God. Her account encourages believers to trust in God's timing and to remain faithful in prayer, even amidst trials and delays. Through her perseverance, Hannah not only received the blessing of a son but also played a crucial role in the history of Israel, as Samuel would grow to become a significant prophet and leader. Her narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the rewards of steadfast faith and the importance of fulfilling one's vows to the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 1:2And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library I Suspect I have Been Allotting Habitually Too Little Time to ... Go into Peace The Fourth Continental Journey. Matt. vi. 1 The God of all Comfort Joy The Child Samuel. Household Salvation The Holy Spirit Our Helper in Prayer A Prince's Bride Resources What does it mean that hope deferred makes the heart sick (Proverbs 13:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is absurdism? | GotQuestions.org In the Song of Solomon, why is it said that we shouldn't awaken love until it pleases? | GotQuestions.org Waiting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Waiting for Guidance and Teaching Waiting for the Coming of Christ Waiting for the Consolation of Israel Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting for the Fulfillment of his Word Waiting for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Waiting in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting Upon God: As the God of Salvation Waiting Upon God: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting Upon God: For: Coming of Christ Waiting Upon God: For: Guidance and Teaching Waiting Upon God: For: Hope of Righteous by Faith Waiting Upon God: For: Protection Waiting Upon God: For: Salvation Waiting Upon God: For: The Consolation of Israel Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Promises Waiting Upon God: For: The Fulfillment of his Word Waiting Upon God: God Calls Us To Waiting Upon God: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting Upon God: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting Upon God: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting Upon God: Saints Resolve On Waiting Upon God: should be all the Day Waiting Upon God: should be Continually Waiting Upon God: should be in the Way of his Judgments Waiting Upon God: should be Specially in Adversity Waiting Upon God: should Be with Earnest Desire Waiting Upon God: should Be with Full Confidence Waiting Upon God: should Be with Hope in his Word Waiting Upon God: should Be with Patience Waiting Upon God: should Be with Resignation Waiting Upon God: should Be with the Soul Waiting Upon God: The Patience of Saints often Tried In Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage In are Heard Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall be Saved Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Inherit the Earth Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall not be Ashamed Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Rejoice in Salvation Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Shall Renew Their Strength Waiting Upon God: They Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Especially in Adversity Waiting: Exhortations and Encouragements To Waiting: Predicted of the Gentiles Waiting: Saints Have Expectation From Waiting: Saints Plead, in Prayer Waiting: should be With the Soul Waiting: The Patience of Saints often Tested In Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Blessed Waiting: Those Who Engage In are Heard Waiting: Those Who Engage in Experience his Goodness Waiting: Those Who Engage in Wait Upon Him Only Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will be Saved Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Inherit the Earth Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will not be Ashamed Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Receive the Glorious Things Prepared by God for Them Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Rejoice in Salvation Waiting: Those Who Engage in Will Renew Their Strength Waiting: Upon God: As the Giver of all Temporal Blessings Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Providence Waiting: Upon God: As the God of Salvation Related Terms |
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