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(The ideal mother)
She was the wife of Elkanah (1 Samuel 1:8) and Hannah was the mother of Samuel (1
Samuel 1:20). Before the birth of Samuel, Hannah had been barren for many years (1 Samuel 1:5).
She was reminded of this fact every year at the yearly sacrifices. Elkanah’s other wife Peninnah was
bless to have born several children (1 Samuel 1:16).
Overhearing Hannah’s fervent prayers for a son, Eli, the High Priest who ministered at the
central sanctuary at Shiloh, assured Hannah that her prayer and desire for a child would be fulfilled
(1 Samuel 1:9-10).
When Samuel was born and weaned, Hannah presented him to the Lord as she had promised
God in her prayers. Eli took Samuel and trained him in the service of the Lord (1 Samuel:22-23).
Hannah never forgot about Samuel, her first born. She visited him annually and gave him
a coat she made for him (1Samuel 2:18-19). After the birth of Samuel, Hannah was blessed to bear
other children (1 Samuel 2:20-21).
Characteristics of Hannah:
Prayerfulness - 1 Samuel 1:10-11.
Self-denial - 1 Samuel 1:27-28.
Thankfulness - 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
Industry and maternal love - 1 Samuel 2:19.
Additional information:
A hymn of thanksgiving for the birth of her son is highly poetic; so much so that modern
criticism pronounces it unsuited to Hannah’s time and circumstances, and ascribe it to a later date.
It resembles that of the virgin Mary. Compare 1 Samuel 2:1-10 with Luke 1:46-55. Also look at
Psalm 113. As you read the psalm, give particular attention to verse 9.
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