The end of the judges · c. 1100 BC
Hannah in the Bible
The woman of prayer, mother of Samuel. Name meaning: “Grace” (Hebrew Hannah)
Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, grieves over her barrenness and the taunts of her rival Peninnah. At Shiloh she pours out her soul before the LORD and vows to give to him the son she asks for. God answers her: Samuel is born, Hannah “lends” him to the LORD for as long as he lives, and her song of praise already foretells God’s “anointed” king.
Key moments
- Peninnah taunts her every year at Shiloh 1 Samuel 1:7
- Her vow before the LORD of hosts 1 Samuel 1:11
- “I have poured out my soul before the LORD” 1 Samuel 1:15
- The birth of Samuel 1 Samuel 1:20
- She “lends” Samuel to the LORD 1 Samuel 1:28
- Her song of praise 1 Samuel 2:1
- Three more sons and two daughters 1 Samuel 2:21
Strengths
- Perseverance in prayer
- Sincerity
- Faithfulness to her word
- Humility
- Praise
Weaknesses
The Bible charges her with no fault. She goes through such deep sorrow that she cannot eat (1 Sam 1:7-8), but she brings her pain before God instead of repaying her rival in kind.
Lessons for today
- We can “pour out” everything before God: tears, frustrations, and desires (1 Sam 1:15; Phil 4:6).
- Peace can come before the answer: Hannah’s face changes even before the birth (1 Sam 1:18).
- What God gives us, we can give back to him: children, talents, and plans all belong to him (1 Sam 1:28).
- God delights to lift up the humble and bring down the proud (1 Sam 2:7-8; Luke 1:52).
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.
For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord. And he worshipped the Lord there.
There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
People around Hannah
Stories with Hannah
Quiz: how well do you know Hannah?
What was the name of Hannah’s husband?
A man of Ramathaim-zophim “whose name was Elkanah… had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah.” Eli was the priest at Shiloh. 1 Samuel 1:1–2
What name did Hannah give her son?
Hannah bore a son and “called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.” 1 Samuel 1:20
Where did Hannah pray to obtain a child?
Hannah rose up “after they had eaten in Shiloh,” by the temple of the LORD where Eli sat, and she prayed, weeping bitterly. Ramah was her hometown. 1 Samuel 1:9–10
There are many more questions like these in Bible Academy, each with its explanation and verse. Start your free trial.