Breaking Down the Bible: Hannah
Author: Abi Oxley-Derrick
October 12, 2023
Breaking Down the Bible: Hannah
The Bible is so FULL of incredible stories, events, and people, that it is impossible to know every single one of them, let alone the details of all the characters. But, it’s so important for us as believers to read these stories, and see the model (or cautions) that people in the Bible provide.
We just wrapped up a series on prayer (our focus word for 2023), and a few weeks ago we walked through passages in 1 and 2 Samuel. Now, I’ve grown up in church and have heard the story of Hannah and Samuel dozens of times, but something about her faith, belief in God’s goodness and provision, and willingness to serve Him regardless of the outcome stood out to me in a fresh way, so I want to unpack it more today. If Hannah’s life is more unfamiliar to you, here is a quick breakdown of her story:
Hannah is married to Elkanah, and they are very much in love. He is kind to her regardless of the fact that she is barren and unable to conceive children. Elkanah’s other wife (no, not within God’s design of marriage, but common and culturally acceptable at the time) is fertile, and there is strife and a lot of hurt between her and Hannah because of this. Some context for you: in this day and age, not being able to have children was an extremely difficult burden. Fertility was often used to judge a woman's worth, godliness, and could even be grounds for divorce. Despite the heaviness she carried, she was also a woman of incredible faith, and her story points us back to what it looks like to truly surrender and trust God’s plan. She prays a very important prayer (one that is still common, and consistently used as a prayer of petition in the Jewish culture), that is referenced multiple times later in scripture, and softens God’s heart for her. God blesses her with a son, Samuel. True to her word, she dedicates him back to the Lord, and true to His word, God uses him in a mighty way. She goes on to have an abundance of children, and is a beautiful example to us.
Her prayer for Samuel is a plea to God, telling Him that if she’s granted a son she will dedicate him back to the Lord. She’s sorrowful, but emphasizes that she is His servant, and will continue to be.
Before we look at the prayer of rejoicing and trust in the Lord, here are a couple of questions to consider:
1. How often do we come to the Lord with a laundry list of things we want? Expecting the Lord to work like a genie and grant our wishes?
2. Is our prayer life one of humility, coming to the Lord as a faithful, grateful servant? Or do we come with an attitude of pride and entitlement?
3. Why did Hannah want a son? To be socially acceptable? Was it to prove her worth as a wife? Was it simply the joy of raising a child? While we can never know for a fact the true reason, we know that this was a desire down to her soul, but she still praises God, and still comes to Him humbly? Can we still have the same attitude if God doesn’t give us what we asked for?
4. Are we walking in deep enough faith to accept whatever outcome the Lord has for us in our prayers and desires? Does that change how we serve Him?
Here’s a challenge for all of us: let’s check our heart when it comes to our prayer life. Why are we praying for the things we are? What will we do if we get them? If we don’t? As believers, EVERYTHING we do should be in pursuit of more of Christ. More of His character, more of His will for our lives, more time in His presence. Take a look at what we’re praying for and see how it lines up with those things.
To close, I want to encourage you to meditate on this prayer from Hannah. It is so powerful that incredible heroes of the faith David and Mary (the mother of Jesus) reference this prayer in scripture. Read the words, and ask the Lord to show you how to allow them to change your own life, heart, and prayer life.
“Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the LORD; in the LORD my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. “There is no one holy like the LORD; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. “Do not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak such arrogance, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by him deeds are weighed. “The bows of the warriors are broken, but those who stumbled are armed with strength. Those who were full hire themselves out for food, but those who were hungry are hungry no more. She who was barren has borne seven children, but she who has had many sons pines away. “The LORD brings death and makes alive; he brings down to the grave and raises up. The LORD sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts. He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. “For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s; on them he has set the world. He will guard the feet of his faithful servants, but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the LORD will be broken. The Most High will thunder from heaven; the LORD will judge the ends of the earth. “He will give strength to his king and exalt the horn of his anointed.”
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