Her arms ached to cradle a baby of her own. Her heart longed for a child. Year after year, she endured painful insults from Peninnah, other wife and mother of her husband’s only children. Not once do the Scriptures mention retaliation on Hannah’s part. This woman of great character and strength remains an example for whatever burden we bear. Her spirit was heavy. She prayed to God fervently in her heart, vowing to give the child back to the LORD if only He would grant her the joy of motherhood.
God remembered Hannah, He opened her womb and a son was born. She named him, Samuel (Sounds like Hebrew for “heard of God”).
Her pain turned to joy, her heart rejoiced to give Elkanah another son, their first child. Faithful to the LORD, before and after Samuel’s birth, Hannah fulfilled the promise she made. When Samuel was weaned (how very young he would have been) she took him to the house of the LORD to live with Eli and serve the LORD all his days.
Hannah was a faithful and loving mom to her son, each year she brought a new robe to him, and he grew in stature and favor with the LORD and man.
Her recorded prayer is filled with praise to the LORD, acknowledging His goodness, faithfulness and justice.
“My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance.
“There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God.
“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.
“The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry hunger no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away.
“The Lord brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.
The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
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;
upon them he has set the world.
He will guard the feet of his saints,
but the wicked will be silenced in darkness.
“It is not by strength that one prevails;
those who oppose the Lord will be shattered.
He will thunder against them 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.” I Samuel 2:1-10
God blessed Hannah with a son (her joy would be multiplied with 5 future children). God blessed Samuel throughout his life, beginning with a godly mom and dad. He became a mighty servant of God, courageous and obedient, instructing and rebuking King Saul; anointing young David-to one day rule as King of Israel.
Contrasted in the first 2 chapters of I Samuel are the sons of Eli. Hophni and Phinehas served themselves (they were “priests” of the LORD) and lived wickedly before the LORD and the people. Although Eli rebuked them with questions, he did not take stronger action.
May the lives of Hannah & Elkanah encourage us as parents to live and instruct our children in the ways of the LORD God Almighty.
Holy God, Loving Father,
Fill us with godly wisdom as parents, teaching children of Your majesty and love, Your power and faithfulness. Thank You, LORD, for the gift of children and of godly mothers and daddies. Thank You, for Your Spirit, our Guide, Counselor and Comforter. May we strive to be faithful with the children You have placed in our home and communities. Remembering they are Yours, and like Hannah, influence them to walk with You all the days they live. Thank You, for Your Word, a revelation of You and light to our path on this journey home. In the name of Your precious son and our Savior- Jesus, Amen.
Mischelle Oliver
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