Today’s study is about Hannah. You can read her story in 1 Samuel 1 and 2.

A short, quick summary of the story of Hannah. Hannah was one of two wives to a man named Elkanah. Hannah was not able to conceive a child and experiences great sadness because of this. Hannah longed to be a mother and prayed to the Lord to bless her with a child. In her prayer, she promised to give the child back to God. Finally her prayer was answered and she was blessed with a son she named Samuel. After she weaned Samuel, she kept her promise and took him to stay with the priest Eli at Shiloh.

The summary above gives a short description of the beautiful story of Hannah, but her story offers so much more. It tells the journey of woman who shows great faith in God and experiences a transformation from great sadness to great joy. The story of Hannah provides inspiration and comfort to me in many ways. I admire her great example of faith, trust, and gratitude and her willingness to give her child to God.

Hannah’s story gives a great example of faith in God. We read in verses 17-18 an example of her strong faith.
‘Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace; and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of him. And she said, Let thy handmaid find favor in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat; and her countenance was no more sad.’ 1 Samuel 1: 17-18.
After praying and speaking with Eli the priest, Hannah stopped being sad and believed God would answer her prayer. This makes me mindful of the very faith God calls us to have in Luke 17:6 ‘And the Lord said, If ye had faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye would say unto this sycamine tree, Be thou rooted up, and be thou planted in the sea; and it would obey you.’

Hannah exhibits tremendous trust in God to answer her prayer, but she also trusted God with the very blessing He had given her.
‘For this child I prayed; and Jehovah hath given me my petition which I asked of him: therefore also I have granted him to Jehovah; as long as he liveth he is granted to Jehovah. And he worshipped Jehovah there.‘ 1 Samuel 1:27-28
I must say I’m guilty of not always trusting God with all the blessings He has given me. I have this false belief that I need to take control and try to solve the problems in my life. Hannah inspires me to trust God more and to allow God to work His will in my life. As I’m getting older, I am learning to let go and trust in God with taking care of things that cause me stress or worry.

Hannah’s willingness to give her child back to God also displays her grateful heart. In 1 Samuel 2:21-10, we read Hannah’s prayer. She expresses a beautiful faith in God. The prayer highlights her gratitude in the Lord and her belief and faith in God’s role in her life.

And Hannah prayed, and said:
My heart exulteth in Jehovah;
My horn is exalted in Jehovah;
My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies;
Because I rejoice in thy salvation.
There is none holy as Jehovah;
For there is none besides thee,
Neither is there any rock like our God.
1 Samuel 2:1-2

Hannah is a beautiful story. It tells us about a wonderful example of faith in God as well as grateful heart that trusts God to care for the most precious of blessings. I hope you take some time to read the story of Hannah and appreciate the Godly lessons she teaches.

Until next time,