PCC Scroll: Women of the Bible - Hannah

Name: Hannah

Meaning: Favor, Grace

Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, 1 Samuel 2:19, 1 Samuel 25:12

Her Sorrow: She was barren

Her Joy: God honored her vow and blessed her with a son

Hannah was the wife of a Levite named Elkanah. She was the mother of the prophet Samuel. Samuel would be the one who anoints David. At the beginning of the story, Hannah is barren and childless. Because of this, she was ridiculed by her husband’s other wife, Peninnah.

Hannah’s story is very similar to that of Sarah and Rachel, two other prominent women in the Bible.

It is clear that Elkanah cared deeply for Hannah as he gave her a bigger portion of his offering.

During a yearly trip to Shiloh, Hannah went forth alone and prayed before God in the sanctuary. She poured out her heart and sorrow to God. She vowed to give a child conceived back to God for all his days, which was not a light vow to make.

She was originally rebuffed by the high priest, Eli, because he thought she was drunk. When Eli learned of her ordeal, he retracted his charge against her. He told to her, “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.”

Before the year passed, Hannah gave birth to a son. She called him Samuel, which means “heard of God.” After the child was weaned, she brought him to Shiloh and presented him to Eli. She gave Samuel to God, and she offered a prayer unto God, which is found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

Samuel was left in Shiloh to minister before God. Each year, when she returned to Shiloh, Hannah brought Samuel a coat, which was a robe worn by high priests. Hannah went on to have three sons and two daughters. (Please note, some suggest Samuel is included in the three sons.)

Hannah’s story is remarkable. Imagine praying so hard to God for a desire of your heart and vowing to return that desire to Him.

Several times early in the story, scripture states, “the Lord had shut up her (Hannah) womb.” Oftentimes, it feels like God has shut doors for us that we desire to be opened. Hannah’s life is a reminder that dire situations bow themselves to God’s will and all things truly work for our good.