Bible Story: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1-28)

Today, the bible story that I would like to share is the story of Hannah. Hannah was one of the wives of Elkanah. Elkanah was from the tribe of Ephraim. He had children from his wife Peninnah but none from Hannah. Peninnah always hurt the feelings of Hannah and every year, she torments and humiliates Hannah. 

One time, after they had finished the meal at the Shiloh, the house of the Lord, Hannah got up and was really upset. She cried bitterly and prayed silently.  She made a promise to God that if God gives her a son, she will dedicate him for his whole life and his hair will never be cut. She prayed to the Lord for the longest time.

Eli, the priest, who was sitting at the door, noticed her. He thought that she was drunk as her lips were moving but no sound was coming out from her lips. So Eli told her to “stop the drunken show. Stop drinking and be sober”.

Hannah said to Eli that “No, I’m not drunk, sir ” but was desperate. She felt miserable because she was childless.

Eli said “Go in peace and may the God of Israel give you what you have asked him for.”

Hannah said “May you always think kindly of me”. Then she went away, ate some food and was no longer sad.

The next day, they went back home after they worship the Lord, and the Lord answered Hannah’s prayer as she got pregnant. It was truly a blessing. Her son’s name was Samuel. She told her husband that after the nursing period was over, she would take her son to the house of the Lord where he will stay there for the rest of his life. Elkanah answered, “All right, do whatever you think best”

And she kept her promise. Who would know that her son would be a prophet.  Prophet Samuel played a major role in anointment of King Saul and King David.

The lesson that we can learn from this is that nothing is impossible with God. Once we pray, we need to be firm, put all our trust to God.  Don’t worry about it anymore, it’s an answered prayer.  Remember that our God is full of compassion and very loving.