1 Samuel 1:1-28
Q.1. What do we learn about Elkanah and Hannah? How was Hannah treated by Elkanah and Peninnah? What did the Hannah’s barrenness do for her relationship with God? – (1 Sam.1:1-11)
Eli and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas were priests in Israel when the tabernacle was situated at Shiloh in Ephraim. Elkanah lived in the hill country of Ephraim. He was a devout man who – … would go up from his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh (1 Sam.1:3). He had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah (1 Sam.1:2). Hannah had no children. Peninnah had sons and daughters, and she – … would provoke Hannah bitterly to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb (1 Sam.1:6). Elkanah favoured Hannah – to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but the Lord had closed her womb (1 Sam.1:5). Elkanah gave Hannah special attention because of her barrenness (1 Sam.1:8). No doubt this increased the rivalry between his two wives. Hannah, in her pain – 10 greatly distressed, she prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 She made a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and a razor shall never come on his head.” (1 Sam.1:10-11). Her trials drew her closer to God.
Q.2. What vow did Hannah make to God? How did Eli the priest view Hannah’s praying? What response did Eli give to Hannah’s explanation? How did prayer change Hannah? – (1 Sam.1:11-18)
Hannah made a vow which was at great cost to herself. She was prepared to offer her son, should she be given one, to God – all the days of his life … as a Nazarite (1 Sam.1:11 c.f. Num.6:1-5). Hannah was praying so earnestly that Eli mistook her distress for drunkenness (1 Sam.1:12-14). She replied that she had not been drinking – … I have spoken until now out of my great concern and provocation (1 Sam.1:16). Eli sent her away with his blessing – … Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of Him (1 Sam.1:17). She departed and – was no longer sad (1 Sam.1:18). When we are depending on God, He gives us joy and peace.
daughters (1 Sam.2:21).
Q.3. Did God forget Hannah? Did Hannah forget her promise to God? Where was Hannah’s focus after Samuel was born? On what basis was Samuel brought to Eli? – (1 Sam.1:19-28)
In due time – the Lord remembered her (1 Sam.1:19). When she conceived, she had to wait to see if her child was a son or daughter. When a boy was born, Hannah called the boy Samuel, meaning – because I have asked him of the Lord (1 Sam.1:20). She did not forget her promise. Hannah was a devoted mother. She raised her son for the Lord and chose to not make the yearly pilgrimage to Shiloh. She told Elkanah – … I will not go up until the child is weaned; then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord and stay there forever (1 Sam.1:22). Elkanah was in total agreement – … Do what seems best to you. Remain until you have weaned him; only may the Lord confirm His word (1 Sam.1:23). Elkanah and Hannah both prepared the sacrifice which was to be made at the time when Samuel was presented to Eli (1 Sam.1:24-25). She then told Eli – 26 … Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the Lord. 27 For this boy I prayed, and the Lord has given me my petition which I asked of Him. 28 So I have also dedicated him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there (1 Sam.1:26-28). Hannah would see her son become one of the great Old Testament prophets. God gave her an additional three sons and two daughters (1 Sam.2:21).