Hannah

Elkanah had two wives; Hannah and Peninnah. Elkanah loved Hannah very much, but Hannah was unable to have children. This upset Hannah because she really loved children and wanted to have children of her own.
“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

Women who could not bear children were often cast outs from other women. This was the case for Hannah because not only did other women look down on her but Peninnah did also. Peninnah’s dislike probably stemmed from jealousy because she knew Elkanah had a deep love for Hannah. This was topped off by him giving Hannah an equal share of his possessions.
“And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice unto the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there. ⁴ And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:⁵ But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb.” 1 Samuel 1:3-5

Because of her jealousy, Peninnah tormented Hannah for her being unable to bear children. This deeply troubled Hannah to the point that she wept constantly and could not eat.
^” And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb. ⁷ 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 1:6-7

Her husband loved her very much and tried to console her. He did not care that she could not bare children.
“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

After Elkanah finished his meal, Hannah feeling sad went to the temple of the Lord. Hannah cried and prayed with all her being for God to bless her with a son and she would give her son back to God to serve God all his life.
“And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. ¹¹ 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 10-11

Eli the priest saw Hannah praying.  He thought she was drunk because she looked so bad from crying and her lips moved without her making a sound. She was appalled by this and answered that she was not drunk; she was just very sad because she had no children of her own and was weeping and praying to God for a Son.

After Eli understood that Hannah was not drunk but possessed a sorrowful heart and that she was praying to God; he told Hannah to go home and God would grant her prayers.

After Hannah left the temple she started to eat and be happy again. She trusted that God would grant her children. When they returned to their hometown; Hannah was with child.

When Hannah’s and Elkanah’s child was born they named him Samuel. Hannah was very excited and happy that God had granted her a child.  She was proud of her baby boy, because not only was he her baby boy, but she knew God had plans for him. She remembered her vow to God. This vow said she would give her baby to God to serve God all his life. This meant that God would use her son to do great things for the Lord.
“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 1:20

The next year Elkanah was going back to Shiloh, but Hannah said she was going to stay home until Samuel was big enough to give back to the Lord.  Elkanah agreed that she should stay and take care of their son. He was sure God would not care because he kept his word and gave them their son to take care of until he was old enough to serve God.

Hannah was a good mother, she understood that children are gifts from God. She took very good care of her son and showered him with love every day. She knew she would be sad when she had to give him back to God, but she was also happy that God chose him to be his servant.

It is always good to obey God. Hannah made a vow and she kept her vow. Because she kept her vow God blessed her with three more sons and two daughters. Hannah who was sad because she had no children ended up with six children. God is so good to those who love him and obey him.

We should all strive to be more like Hannah. Even in her time of deep despair and sadness, she took her problems to God in prayer. She was a woman of great faith and God rewarded her greatly. Her son she prayed for so persistently became a mighty Prophet and Judge.

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