The Meaning of the Name Hannah
The name Hannah, meaning “gracious” or “full of grace,” originates from the Hebrew Hannah and later the Latin Anna. In the Holy Bible, Hannah appears in the First Book of Samuel in the Old Testament, as a woman of remarkable faith whose story of perseverance and prayer resonates as an inspiring example of trust in God.
Who Was Hannah?
Hannah was the wife of Elkanah, a Levite from the lineage of Kohath, residing in Ramah in the hill country of Ephraim. Despite being Elkanah’s favored wife, Hannah endured the pain of infertility, a condition that caused her deep anguish. Elkanah had another wife, Peninnah, who, because she had children, constantly provoked and humiliated Hannah, intensifying her sorrow.
And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret, because the Lord had shut up her womb. (1 Samuel 1:6, KJV)
Nevertheless, Hannah was deeply loved by Elkanah, who showed her special care despite the family tensions.
And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb. (1 Samuel 1:4-5, KJV)
Rivalry in Elkanah’s Household
Life in Elkanah’s household was marked by strife. Peninnah, with her children, used her fertility to belittle Hannah, causing her great distress. The Bible describes Hannah as a woman overwhelmed with sorrow, weeping and living in bitterness due to her condition.
Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons? (1 Samuel 1:8, KJV)
Despite the rivalry and pain, Elkanah was a devoted husband and a God-fearing man who regularly took his family to Shiloh to worship at the tabernacle, the center of worship since the days of Joshua.
Hannah’s Fervent Prayer
During one of the family’s annual pilgrimages to Shiloh, Hannah, overcome with bitterness, went to the tabernacle and poured out her heart before the Lord. Her prayer was so intense that she made a solemn vow, promising to dedicate her son to God if He would grant her one.
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)
As she prayed, Hannah moved her lips without making a sound, leading the priest Eli to assume she was drunk. When confronted, Hannah explained her anguish.
And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. (1 Samuel 1:15-17, KJV)
After this encounter, Hannah left the temple with a transformed countenance, confident in God’s response.
The Miracle of Samuel’s Birth
Upon returning to Ramah, God answered Hannah’s prayer. She conceived and gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning “asked of God.”
And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the Lord, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the Lord remembered her. 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 1:19-20, KJV)
Fulfilling her vow, Hannah dedicated Samuel to God’s service, bringing him, still young, to the tabernacle to be raised under Eli’s care. Each year, when visiting Shiloh, Hannah brought a new garment for her son.
Samuel’s Legacy and Continued Blessings
Samuel became one of the most notable figures in the Bible, a prophet and judge who anointed Israel’s first two kings, Saul and David. His life was a pivotal moment in Israel’s history, and he is referenced even in the book of Jeremiah as a faithful servant.
The miracle in Hannah’s life did not end with Samuel’s birth. After dedicating him to God, she was blessed with five more children—three sons and two daughters—a testament to God’s power to reverse her barrenness.
Hannah’s Song of Praise
The woman who once lived in bitterness now sang songs of praise and gratitude to God. Her song, recorded in 1 Samuel 2:1-10, exalts the Lord’s sovereignty and faithfulness.
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. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. (1 Samuel 2:1-10, KJV)
The Connection to the Messiah
The impact of Hannah’s faith extends beyond her personal story. Samuel, her son, anointed David, from the tribe of Judah, as king of Israel. From David’s lineage came Jesus Christ, the Anointed One, the King of kings, in whom all promises of salvation are fulfilled.
Conclusion: Hannah’s Transformative Faith
Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1 is a powerful testament to faith, perseverance, and trust in God. Her fervent prayer, fulfilled vow, and praise to the Lord inspire generations to seek God amidst adversity. Hannah teaches us that, even in the deepest anguish, God hears, answers, and transforms lives. May her story encourage you to trust in the Lord and praise Him for His wonders!
