“Hannah’s Prayer”

“And 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.” (1 Samuel 1:2)

Elkanah was the name of Peninnah’s and Hannah’s husband. Elkanah was a godly man during the time of the Judges. He went yearly to worship and sacrifice to God in the city of Shiloh. Shiloh was a godly city and Eli and his sons were the priests there.

Families have had internal strife going back to Jacob and Esau. When multiple wives are concerned the problems are multiplied. (see The Story of Jacob: The Wives). This is the case between Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children. Hannah had none. Peninnah would be putting herself above Hannah because she had children. The issue is that inheritance was tied directly by people through the order of birth. However, God didn’t do it that way. Esau sold his inheritance to Jacob (see The Twins). Hannah has not yet had any heirs. Peninnah would certainly be reminding Hannah of that. This made Hannah fret.

Elkanah gave a portion of his inheritance to Peninnah, her sons, and daughters. He gave Hannah a generous portion, because he loved her. Sadly, Hannah was still full of sorrow. Year after year Hannah cried because she was barren. Hannah had stopped eating.

“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?” (1 Samuel 1:8)

Eli, the priest in Shiloh, sat by a pillar of the temple. He overheard the prayer that Hannah prays to God.

“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 1:11)

Eli watched her mouth the words, but could not hear what she said. Eli thought she was drunk.

“12And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.

13Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.” (1 Samuel 1:12-14)

Hannah responds.

“15And 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.

16Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.” (1 Samuel 1:15-16)

Eli understood that she was not drunk, but was praying directly to God. Eli told her that God had heard her petition and would answer it. This made Hannah happy again. Hannah had faith.

No matter how many hardships come our way, God hears our prayers. We just have to have faith.

“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.” (1 Samuel 1:19)

God opened Hannah’s womb and she gave birth to a son, she called Samuel, because he was from God. Samuel is presented to Eli as a remembrance of her petition to God.

Samuel is now living in Shiloh with the priest Eli. His mother will see Samuel every year when the family returns to worship and sacrifice.

Stay Tuned…