[Proverbs 31 Woman]

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Who was Hannah?

 

Hannah was a woman of faith; prayer, sacrifice, and dedication.

 

First, we learn that Hannah was one of Elkanahs’ wives. In the Old Testament times, we often see that it was common for men to have multiple wives. Second, Hannah was barren and desired more than anything to have a child. The bible makes it clear that children are a gift from the Lord (Psalm 127:3).

 

This caused Hannah so much pain and grief that she was not able to have a child, yet Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah had children and was very unkind to Hannah. Hannah’s Prayer at Shiloh: “And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb. And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the LORD had shut up her womb. And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the LORD, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat” (1 Samuel 1:4-7). “Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk.

 

Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head” (1 Samuel 1:8-11).

 

In 1 Samuel 1:4-10, we see another one of Hannah’s prayers, which was praising, prophetic, powerful: And Hannah prayed, and said, “My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.”

 

Now, Eli was the high priest at the time and when he saw Hannah praying he thought she was drunk. When Eli confronted Hannah about this, she used wisdom, she was respectful and was not offended at his questioning. Instead, she spoke with kindness and explained her situation. Eli blessed Hannah with peace and an answer from God: “And Hannah answered and said, No, my LORD, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad. And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:15-20).

 

Hannah went on her way and continued to live for God. “And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:21). Then, Eli blesses Hannah a second time when she returns with Samuel. Hannah kept a good attitude, none of that would have happened if she had become offended at Eli.

 

Here are a few things that we know about Hannah: 1. According to Strong’s Concordance, Hannah in Hebrew means Channah, an Istraelitess: to show favor, be gracious 2. Hannah was very loved by Elkanah, her husband (1 Samuel 1:4). 3. Hannah had 5 other children, three sons and two daughters, after Samuel was born (1 Samuel 2:20-21). 4. Hannah teaches us the importance of having a good prayer life: she knew the importance of fasting, praying and living a dedicated life to God. 5. Hannah is the mother of the prophet and last Judge of Israel, Samuel. Hannah kept her word that she vowed to Eli that she would give her child to God.

 

When Samuel was weaned and just a young child, Hannah took him to live at the tabernacle. As a child he helped the high priest, Eli, with jobs around the tabernacle. Although his parents had given him to Eli to raise in the Lord’s service, they never forgot him. “And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him unto the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young. And they slew a bullock, and brought the child to Eli. And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:24-26). None of this would have happened if she had become offended at Eli. Read the Hannah’s full story in 1 Samuel chapters 1 and 2. Hannah teaches us a valuable lesson in being a woman of faith; living a life of prayer, fasting, dedication, sacrifice, and thanksgiving! Hannah shows us how to bring our desperate cries and all our brokenness to God!

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