Have you ever felt that your dreams may never come true? Have you ever felt so unsupported by your family and church that you were tempted to give up on God completely? Have you ever prayed for something for years without receiving an answer? Well, you are not alone.
It’s not uncommon for people to feel that God may not care for them, especially when they face challenges, such as needing a job, struggling with finances, or longing for children. For many married couples, particularly wives, the experience of wanting to become parents yet facing a closed womb can be harrowing and isolating. As a husband, I recognize that I may not fully grasp this struggle, but I want to share a personal story. Years ago, my beloved wife Pearl and I were hopeful and excited about the possibility of adopting a beautiful little girl from China. Our hearts brimmed with joy at the thought of welcoming her into our lives. However, we encountered a profound obstacle when God, in His infinite wisdom, had different plans for us: the adoption fell through, and our hearts were broken. It’s understandable to feel lost and disheartened in moments like these, as we all yearn for understanding and support during our trials.
The closest experience I can relate to is that of a barren woman. For this reflection, I will focus on wives. I can image that being barren may lead some wives to be overwhelmed by their emotions. Laura may feel sadness, thinking, “I’m not worthy in the eyes of God.” Patrice might experience anger, questioning, “How could You, God, not allow me to conceive?” There could be feelings of vengeance: “Fine, God, if I can’t conceive, then I won’t engage with You!” Additionally, Susan may place blame, thinking, “It’s Your fault, God; after all, You created me this way.” The Lauras, Patrices, and Susans may even feel that God doesn’t care for them when their heartfelt desires, often greater than material things, remain unfulfilled.
When God seems to ignore our desires, especially during long and difficult circumstances, it is essential to focus on what He has in store for us. Trusting in Him should take precedence over overreacting to the world around us. Though easier said than done, grasping this concept is vital. To see it from another perspective, we often have our priorities reversed. Why? Because we can miss an incredible journey that awaits as you and I uncover the richness of a God-centered life! From my personal walk with God journey, I’ve learned three Biblical truths during times of deep heartache:
- Humility gives rise to God’s wisdom. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom. Proverbs 11:2
- God’s wisdom affords God’s knowledge. Call to me (God) and I will answer you and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. Jeremiah 33:3
- God’s knowledge sustains perseverance. “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” James 1:25
These reflection notes will illuminate the powerful prayer of Hannah, a humble woman. As you engage with this Scripture, envision her challenges as a victim and a wife. Her story is a poignant reminder of resilience, evoking heartbreak and frustration yet ultimately inspiring us. We will explore 1 Samuel 1:19, the prayer of a woman who exemplifies hope and strength. Imagine.
There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite. 2 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.
3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore, Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore, Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
It’s a long passage but it will be broken down into smaller chunks for clarification. So, let’s dig in…
Verse 1. There was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph, an Ephrathite.
Let’s take a moment to explore the inspiring details of this genealogy! At its heart is Elkanah, who truly anchors the narrative. Surrounding him are notable figures—Jerpham, Elihu, Tohu, and Zuph—each adding richness to the context. This demonstrates that God knows each of His people intimately, acknowledging them by name. Keep Elkanah in your thoughts, as his significance is profound.
Elkanah is identified as an Ephrathite, linking him to the historical region of Ephrath, now known as Bethlehem. This connection not only situates Elkanah’s lineage within a vital narrative framework but also hints at the ancestry of future key figures in biblical history. The name “Ephrath” translates to “fruitful” in Hebrew, which embodies growth and prosperity. As we journey through this story, we hold on to the theme of fruitfulness; it’s sure to resonate throughout the text.
With that foundation in place, let’s move on from verse two and discover how this compelling narrative continues to unfold!
2 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.
Two key figures are introduced: Elkanah’s wives, Peninnah, and the central character, Hannah. Though the Scripture provides limited information about their age, heritage, or genealogy, the distinct contrast between their personalities is crucial to the story. The tale continues with clarity in verses 3 through 5.
3 Now this man used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh, where the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests of the Lord. 4 On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb.
The plot is becoming quite compelling! It’s heart-wrenching how the author depicts Hannah as ‘the one’ while Peninnah is seen as ‘the other.’ This choice hints at Elkanah’s more profound affection for Hannah, particularly evident in the double portions he gave her during sacrifices. It makes you wonder about his true feelings for Peninnah. As we explore verses 6 and 7, we witness a poignant shift in Hannah’s story. Stay tuned—this emotional journey of Hannah is just beginning, and it’s one that will surely evoke empathy and connection!
6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore, Hannah wept and would not eat.
Eugene Peterson’s “The Message” writes it this way…more vividly. Notice the verbs and adjectives closely.
But her rival wife taunted her cruelly, rubbing it in and never letting her forget that God had not given her children. This went on year after year. Every time she went to the sanctuary of God she could expect to be taunted. Hannah was reduced to tears and had no appetite. [Bolds added].
Hannah was struggling, feeling as though she was fading away, both in spirit and in her physical appearance. The weight of stress and the absence of proper meals were taking a toll on her, leaving her looking frail. It was heartbreaking to see how this had become her everyday reality.
At first glance, it’s hard not to feel sympathy for Hannah. Consider her situation: she had a rival, Peninnah, who relentlessly taunted her year after year because she could not have children. What made it even worse was that Peninnah cruelly suggested that it was God’s doing—implying that God had closed Hannah’s womb. As a result, Hannah was devastated; she wept and refused to eat.
This raises two crucial and concerning questions: Where was Elkanah while the hurtful taunting was happening? And if he saw it unfold, why didn’t he step in to help? After all, he had clearly shown his affection for Hannah by doubling her portions and expressing his love for her. It’s hard to understand how he could stand by in silence while she faced such pain.
It’s interesting to note that Scripture doesn’t mention Elkanah’s love for Peninnah, which makes us think about how much he was involved in the tension between his wives. He was out of the loop regarding the conflict. His actions could suggest he didn’t notice the issue or had discernment and wisdom with this situation.
Whoever meddles in a quarrel not his own is like one who takes a passing dog by the ears. Proverbs 26:17.
Either way, he was not involved. Verse 8.
8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
In other words,
“Dear Hannah, love of my life…
Why do you weep?
Why do you not eat?
Why is your heart sad?”
And the most arrogant question:
“My dear wife, am I not more to you than ten sons?”
How out of touch can a husband be? Did Hannah weep because Peninnah was tormenting her? It’s possible. Did Hannah stop eating due to her oblivious husband? That’s also quite likely. Did Hannah feel a heavy heart because the LORD of hosts had not allowed her to bear children? This seems very probable. In fact, she doesn’t even respond to the four questions posed by Elkanah. Instead of answering, she leaves.
9After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose.
This suggests that she left Elkanah and Peninnah.
Let’s pause for a moment to discuss Peninnah’s children. How many sons and daughters did Peninnah have while tormenting Hannah? According to the Midrash, a compilation of Jewish commentaries on the Old Testament Scriptures gathered between 400 and 1200 A.D., the volume of writings expanded over the centuries and became known as the Midrash.
[Caution: Spoiler alert]
Midrash says Hannah had five children, and Peninnah had ten. Each time Hannah had a child, two of Peninnah’s children died. Let’s say, for this example, that Peninnah had four children while she tormented Hannah, who could not have children. Since Peninnah taunted Hannah year after year, it makes sense that Hannah suffered for four years. Given this, Hannah’s unlikely to get up and walk away from Elkanah, as verse 9 describes.
Hannah needed comfort, which she did not have. She faced a rival co-wife who continually antagonized her, a somewhat clueless husband who didn’t understand her pain, and the heartache of being childless. Hannah likely fled the situation in distress rather than casually leaving to grab a drink somewhere to think about her problems.
10Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. (Bold added)
Take a moment to consider Hannah’s emotional journey. She is in deep distress, weeping bitterly, and her anguish is truly heart-wrenching. When I reflect on this sorrowful woman, I can’t help but connect her struggles to the Beatitudes in the New Testament. They capture the essence of what she is going through, highlighting the shared human experience of pain and longing for solace.
Blessed are those who mourn. (Bitterly wept),
Blessed are the meek. (Four years of torment),
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. (Year after year she went to the house of the LORD),
Blessed are the merciful. (Hannah was seeking the LORD’s mercy),
Blessed are the pure in heart. (Hannah had no selfish reasons for wanting a child),
Blessed are the peacemakers. (She did not seek retribution),
Blessed are you when others revile you, persecute you, and utter all kinds of evil against you… (Say no more).
Jesus Christ was referring to Hannah (and us).
Now, let’s return to the story of Hannah, who was consumed by tears and unable to eat.
Overwhelmed by her distress, she rose to her feet. With a heart weighed down by sorrow, she knew there was only one place to go: the temple. In fact, she made it to the temple doorpost, where it’s clear that she finally reached her breaking point, both emotionally and possibly physically. Her body could not carry the weight any longer. At that moment, she began pouring her heart into the Lord.
11And she vowed a vow and said, “O LORD of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.” [Bold added]
Hannah is weeping fiercely and is deeply distraught; she now views herself as an afflicted woman. Why did she endure four years of abuse? A better question might be: Why did Hannah want a child so desperately? Was it to get even with Peninnah? To alleviate her sadness? To feel wanted? To fill a void? To gain acceptance from society? All these reasons are valid; however, they are worldly motivations. Considering what we know about Hannah, does she seem like a woman driven by worldly reasons for wanting a child? No, her motivations run much deeper.
Something about her sincere prayer captured God’s attention. She wept bitterly and was profoundly distressed. This demonstrates that her plea to the Lord of Hosts came from the depths of her soul—truly from her heart. It was so heartfelt that she felt compelled to make a vow to God. [If you]will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life. This is not a promise to God that she will be a good mother—it is quite the opposite. She understands that a vow to God must be taken seriously, likely having learned this from prior temple visits.
If a man vows a vow to the Lord or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Numbers 30:2
Without hesitation, Hannah willingly vows to sacrifice her firstborn to the Lord of Hosts, even though she remains childless. Her firstborn (God willing) will be something profoundly precious to her, yet she is fully prepared to dedicate it back to Him. This commitment is not akin to someone promising to help family or friends after winning the lottery. Hannah’s devotion is deeply genuine; she is a woman of unwavering faith in God. However, she does not receive much support at the outset.
12As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore, Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.”
With tears streaming down her cheeks, Hannah poured her heart out to the LORD in silent prayer. From afar, Eli, the priest, mistakenly perceived her deep sorrow as drunkenness. Yet, amidst her heartache, brave Hannah summoned her inner strength and graciously shared her story with Eli, demonstrating remarkable grace in a moment of vulnerability.
15But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the LORD. 16Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.”
Again, notice Hannah’s emotional progression: 1) she is troubled in spirit, 2) pouring out her soul, 3) feeling like a worthless woman, and 4) consumed by great anxiety and frustration. She has become an empty vessel desperately in need of refilling. Hannah completely exhausts herself with her emotions and prayers. Finally, she receives her first crucial answer from God through Eli.
Verse 17
Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.”
It’s interesting to note that Eli’s answer did not contain the word ‘may.’ It is written: “…and the God of Israel grant your petition.” (bold added) This detail highlights the power of belief. Hannah had profound faith and unwavering trust that God would fulfill His promises. As we read in Mark 11:24…
Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Bold added)
Eli’s unwavering faith in God may have ignited a spark in Hannah’s spirituality, leading her to illuminate her path with the light of God’s written word, rooted in the teachings of the Mosaic law. When the Lord brings you into the land of the Canaanites, as he swore to you and your fathers, and shall give it to you, you shall set apart to the Lord all that first opens the womb… Exodus 13:11 (Bold added)
Verse 13(b)
Every firstborn of man among your sons you shall redeem. (Bold added)
Verse 15(b):
“Therefore, I sacrifice to the Lord all the males that first open the womb, but all the firstborn of my sons I redeem. It shall be as a mark on your hand or frontlets between your eyes, for by a strong hand the Lord brought us out of Egypt.” (Bold added)
For the chosen people, offering sacrifices to God was their sacred duty, acknowledging how His powerful hand delivered them from Egypt. Today, living in the age of grace and forgiveness through Jesus Christ the Messiah, we are also called to make our offerings to God, honoring the grace we have received and to
…present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is spiritual worship. Romans 12:1
Through Jesus Christ’s blood, God has redeemed us from our bondage to sin. After receiving her petition for a son, Hannah experienced freedom from Peninnah’s torment. Her deliverance is a powerful reminder that obedience to God’s commandments, like those in Exodus 13, can bring us out of our struggles and into a place of peace.
This situation exemplifies a win-win scenario. By obeying God’s commandment, Hannah sacrifices her unborn child back to God, achieving a profound and holy alignment. This powerful act is an essential reminder to adhere to and follow His will. As Jesus Christ emphasized.
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified. John 15:7-8,
So, what did Hannah do?
| 18The woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. |
Wow! It’s a sentence written plainly, but its meaning is far from it. Weigh the following words carefully. The LORD of Hosts heard a simple prayer from a constantly tormented, deeply distressed, bitterly weeping, anxiety-ridden, “worthless,” reduced, vexed, and afflicted woman.
In a heartbeat, she found peace. It’s amazing how God answered a humble prayer and brought forth Samuel.
Earlier in this message, I mentioned a word I hope you’ll remember. For anyone who might have drifted off, let me remind you: that word is “fruitful.” Be fruitful and multiply. Genesis 1:28.
Well, Hannah again obeyed God’s Word.
20And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.”
This story is a potent reminder for you and me when trapped in seemingly insurmountable situations—like a mountain that feels unmovable or a raging storm with too tumultuous waves to navigate. In a world that often brings us down, we may feel constantly engaged in a relentless battle against an unyielding enemy: Satan. When we find ourselves in these challenging circumstances—something we all experience at times—let us not succumb to worldly reactions. Instead, remember this: Let us be like Hannah. In humble adoration, we submit to God and His perfect timing, knowing that our faith has saved us. Therefore,
Go in peace.
To God be the Glory!