Hannah is introduced in 1 Samuel 1 as one of the two wives of Elkanah. She was barren, while Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had children. Peninnah provoked Hannah continually because of her childlessness, causing Hannah deep sorrow (1 Samuel 1:6–7). Despite this, Elkanah loved Hannah and sought to comfort her, but her heart was grieved.
Hannah went to the house of the Lord in Shiloh and prayed fervently, weeping before the Lord. She vowed that if God gave her a son, she would give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor would come upon his head (1 Samuel 1:11), indicating a Nazirite dedication. Eli the priest at first misunderstood her silent prayer, but upon realizing her sincerity, he blessed her and prayed that the Lord would grant her request (1 Samuel 1:17).
The Lord remembered Hannah, and she conceived and bore a son, naming him Samuel, which means “asked of God” (1 Samuel 1:20). After weaning him, she brought him to Eli and fulfilled her vow by dedicating him to the Lord’s service (1 Samuel 1:24–28). Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1–10 is a song of thanksgiving, declaring the greatness of God, His justice, and His power to exalt the humble and bring down the proud.
Hannah’s faith, prayerfulness, and obedience are examples of godly womanhood. Her devotion and fulfillment of her vow show a heart fully yielded to the Lord. Samuel, the son God gave her, became a prophet, judge, and key leader in Israel, used by God to anoint both Saul and David as kings.
