Hannah
Israelite / Jew Hebrew, of Ramathaim-zophim in mount Ephraim · Conquest & Judges · Old Testament
- Name means
- Grace; favour
- Role
- Mother of Samuel; woman of prayer
- When
- End of the days of the judges
What they did
Barren and grieved, she poured out her soul before the LORD at Shiloh and vowed to give her son to Him. She brought Samuel to Eli and sang a song of praise.
Why it matters: the purpose of their role
God answered her prayer and gave Israel the prophet Samuel. Her song of the LORD lifting up the poor and speaking of 'his anointed' looks ahead to God's King.
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 1 Samuel 1:27 (KJV)
Bible references
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. 1 Samuel 1:10-11 (KJV)
Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD. 1 Samuel 1:20 (KJV)
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there. 1 Samuel 1:27-28 (KJV)
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 1 Samuel 2:1-2 (KJV)
Family
- Spouse(s)
- Elkanah
- Children
- Samuel, three other sons and two daughters
Her husband's other wife was Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:2). Her later children: 1 Samuel 2:21.