Holy Bible Online 
Hannah is an important figure in the Bible, known as the mother of the prophet Samuel. She is an example of faith, devotion, and perseverance. Her story appears in the first chapters of 1 Samuel, where she stands out as a woman deeply committed to God, playing a vital role in Israel’s history.
Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, a man from Ramah, in the mountainous region of Ephraim. Although Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, the Bible highlights that Hannah was his favorite. However, Hannah faced great sorrow—she was barren.
In ancient culture, infertility was considered a disgrace, causing deep pain and shame for women who could not bear children. Hannah’s suffering was intensified by Peninnah’s constant provocation, as Peninnah had children and mocked Hannah’s barrenness.
Elkanah made a yearly pilgrimage with his family to the tabernacle in Shiloh, where they offered sacrifices and worshiped God. During one of these visits, Hannah, deeply distressed, prayed fervently to the Lord, pouring out her heart in tears. Hannah’s prayer can be found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
Hannah made a vow, promising that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service for his entire life. Her prayer was so intense that the priest Eli initially thought she was drunk, but when he realized the sincerity of her plea, he blessed her, asking God to fulfill her request.
God heard Hannah’s prayer, and she conceived a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "asked of God" or "heard by God." True to her promise, after weaning him, she took Samuel to the tabernacle and entrusted him to the priest Eli so that he could serve the Lord for his entire life. The Bible does not specify Hannah’s exact age when she conceived Samuel.
As promised, Hannah dedicated her son Samuel to God’s service, profoundly shaping Israel’s history. Her devotion and commitment to God continue to inspire generations, demonstrating the importance of faith and perseverance in times of hardship.
Samuel grew up to become one of Israel’s greatest prophets, playing a crucial role in the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy. He anointed Israel’s first two kings, Saul and David, and served as an important spiritual and political leader in the nation.
In addition to Samuel, the Bible mentions that Hannah had other children. 1 Samuel 2:21 states that she had three more sons and two daughters. Although the Bible does not provide details about Hannah’s death, her legacy is immense. She is remembered for her unshakable faith, fervent prayer, and commitment to keeping her promises.
What We Can Learn from Hannah’s Story
Hannah’s story highlights the importance of faith and prayer in the life of a woman who, despite adversity, kept her trust in God. Key Lessons:
1. Unshakable Faith – Hannah teaches us to trust in God, even in the most difficult and desperate situations.
2. Persistence in Prayer – Her determination to seek God demonstrates the transformative power of continuous prayer.
3. Keeping Promises – Hannah shows the importance of honoring our vows and commitments to God with integrity and devotion.
Hannah is an example of a woman who, instead of giving in to despair, turned to God in prayer, bringing her deepest concerns before Him. Her story teaches us the importance of perseverance in prayer and the power of faith to change circumstances.
Hannah stands out in the Bible as a woman of fervent prayer and solemn vows. Her determination to seek God and her promise to dedicate her son reveal her deep commitment to the Lord.
Her story also highlights the significant role of women in the Bible, showing that they played an essential part in Israel’s history and in fulfilling God’s plans.
Hannah’s Prayer
1 Then Hannah prayed and said:
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my hornis lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
2 “There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed.
4 “The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away.
6 “The Lord brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.
7 The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor.
“For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
on them he has set the world.
9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness.
“It is not by strength that one prevails;
10 those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.
“He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
- 1 Samuel 2:1-10
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