01: The Prayer of Childless Hannah ( 1Samuel 1:1 – 20)

In the days of the Judges, a time of spiritual darkness over His people, God started to intervene through a desperate prayer of a barren woman

πŸ‘‰ Read 1Samuel 1:1 - 20


Q1. Elkanah had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. What were their problems? (v4 – 7)

Hannah: no son. God didn’t give her a son. Irritation of Peninnah

Peninnah: no love from her husband.

Samuel is described as being from the tribe of Levi and specifically of the Kohathite clan (1 Chronicles 6:33–38). But not from Aaron’s lineage, not a born priest.

Mentioning Hophni and Phinehas is to describe the spiritual darkness of those days.



Q2. What are the three points in Hannah’s prayer? (v11)

Look on my suffering, do not neglect your servant.

Give your servant a son

I will dedicate him to the Lord

Hannah understood that the Lord had withheld a son from her (v. 5). Her plea was driven by a deeper desire to confirm that she had not been abandoned by the Lord. This is why she vowed to dedicate her son to the Lord, demonstrating that her ultimate longing was not merely for a child but for the Lord's vindication and the assurance of His favor upon her. 



Q3. Eli was spiritually insensitive. What did he say to Hannah? 

“Put away your wine”

The narrative contains literary shadows that subtly allude to the spiritual crisis in Israel and Eli's inadequacy as a priest. For instance, the text mentions, "Eli's two sons served as the Lord's priests" (v. 5), suggesting a corrupt religious leadership. Additionally, phrases such as "Eli the priest was sitting in his chair" (v. 9) and "Meanwhile, Eli was watching her mouth" (v. 12) hint at his passivity and detachment from the deeper spiritual needs of the people.

Eli failed to address Hannah’s distress compassionately. He neither apologized for his earlier misjudgment nor inquired about her problem, but instead offered a routine blessing, saying, "Go in peace..." without demonstrating genuine empathy. Despite this, Hannah respectfully accepted his words, interpreting them as confirmation from the Lord (v. 18). Her faith and humility starkly contrast Eli's lack of spiritual discernment.




During a time of spiritual darkness in the nation, the Lord allowed a woman to remain childless (v. 5). In her desperate prayer for the Lord’s vindication, He gave her a son and used him to reveal His will. When spiritual darkness envelops the world, a desperate prayer of an innocent sufferer marks the prelude to the Lord's intervention.

Learn from Hannah, who prayed to be confirmed of her relationship with the Lord more than for a son itself. Pray not for achieving your goal, even a ministry goal, but for the confirmation that you are on the right track of following Jesus. 

I hope we will be those who pray for the Lord's church above our personal needs, especially as the church navigates this spiritually chaotic period.


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