Bible Study | Barrenness to Blessing— A Look at Hannah’s Character
This is my first hosted Bible Study. I love Hannah; she’s one of my favorite women in Scripture, so I decided to start with her first. We find Hannah in 1 Samuel 1-2. We will look at her struggles with infertility, her unwavering faith, and her incredible act of sacrifice. Through Hannah’s journey, we can learn valuable lessons about trusting in God’s timing, finding strength in prayer, and the importance of faith even in difficult circumstances.
Scripture Reading
- 1 Samuel 1: 1-28 (Hannah’s Prayer)
- 1 Samuel 2: 1-11 (Hannah’s Song of Praise)
About Hannah
Hannah is one of the most remarkable women in the Bible. Despite being married to a loving husband, Elkanah, her life was marked by deep sorrow. The narrative portrays her as unable to conceive children, a condition that was culturally and socially challenging in her time (1 Samuel 1:2). This barrenness was further amplified by the presence of Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, who had children and taunted Hannah relentlessly (1 Samuel 1:6).
About 1 Samuel 1: 1-28 (Hannah’s Prayer)
The narrative unfolds during a religious festival at Shiloh. While others partake in the celebratory meal, Hannah withdraws to the temple to pray (1 Samuel 1:9). Here, we witness an outpouring of her grief and longing for a child. Her prayer is raw and emotional, filled with tears and deep anguish (1 Samuel 1:10).
However, Hannah’s prayer is not simply one of lament. It is also a powerful expression of faith. She acknowledges God’s Sovereignty and power, praising his unfailing love and control over life and death (verses 1-3, 6).
In a turning point, Hannah makes a vow to God. She promises that if He blesses her with a son, she will dedicate the child to His service for his entire life (verse 11). This selflessness demonstrates her faith’s depth and willingness to surrender her desires to God’s will.
The passage ends with a misunderstanding. Eli, the priest, observes Hannah’s silent prayer and mistakes her tears for drunkenness (verses 12-14). However, Hannah clarifies her situation and reaffirms her faith in God’s power to answer her prayer (verses 15-18).
About 1 Samuel 2: 1-11 (Hannah’s Song of Praise)
In 1 Samuel 2:1-11, Hannah bursts forth in a joyous song of praise to God, starkly contrasting her earlier prayers filled with sorrow (1 Samuel 1). This passage is known as Hannah’s Song of Praise and is considered a powerful expression of faith and gratitude. The main focuses here include:
Overflowing Joy (vv. 1-2) The passage begins with an outburst of Hannah’s jubilation. She declares her heart’s rejoicing in the Lord and the strength he has given her. Her “horn is lifted high” expresses triumph and vindication.
God’s Uniqueness and Power (vv. 2-3) Hannah shifts to proclaiming God’s unmatched holiness and power. There is “no one holy like the Lord,” and he is the ultimate source of her strength (“Rock”).
A Warning Against Arrogance (v. 3) She briefly warns against pride and arrogance, reminding everyone that God sees all and will judge accordingly.
God’s Reversal of Fortunes (vv. 4-8) The focus then turns to God’s power to reverse situations. The bows of the mighty are broken (powerful people brought low), while the weak are made strong. He can bring starvation to the well-fed and fill the hungry. The childless woman can be blessed with many children, while the fertile one can become barren. Life and death are ultimately in his hands.
God’s Sovereignty (vv. 7-8) The passage emphasizes God’s sovereign control over all things. He lifts some from the dust (poverty) and sets them among princes while bringing down the proud.
Overall, Hannah’s Song of Praise is a beautiful and multifaceted expression of faith. It celebrates God’s power, justice, and Sovereignty while acknowledging his role in her joy and newfound purpose.
Group Discussion Questions (My thoughts in color)
- Can you relate to Hannah’s feelings of sorrow or isolation? How can we find comfort and support in those times? Yes, I can relate. I grieved a 5-year struggle with infertility between my oldest daughter and youngest daughter. I was grievous and distraught most of the time. I remember praying. But I wasn’t as close to Jesus as I am now. I would tell infertile me to seek him first, that I needed to accept His timing.
- Despite her pain, Hannah continues to worship God. What does this teach us about the importance of faith, even in difficult times (1 Samuel 1: 9-10)? Even in our darkest moments, we can cling to the hope that God can intervene. Just like Hannah, our worship expresses that hope, a belief that God can bring about change and blessing, even when it seems impossible.
- Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 1 is considered a powerful and moving expression of faith. What are some takeaways from her prayer that resonate with you? I think Honesty and Vulnerability Hannah doesn’t hold back. She pours out her heart to God, expressing her deep sorrow and bitterness over her barrenness (v. 10). This honesty models for me that it’s okay to be vulnerable with God, to bring our true feelings to Him, even the negative ones.
- Imagine yourself in Hannah’s shoes. Elkanah offers her comfort but doesn’t seem to fully understand her grief (1 Samuel 1:8). How can we better support those who are struggling with infertility or disappointment? This is so important to me. Acknowledge their pain. Don’t try to minimize their feelings. Sometimes I just want your listening ear without judgment. Let them express their frustrations, fears, and sadness without offering unsolicited advice.
- After Hannah dedicates her son Samuel to God’s service, she finds renewed joy and purpose (1 Samuel 2:1-11). What does this teach us about the importance of letting go and trusting in God’s plan? You know, over the years, I’ve come to see that Surrender leads to joy. It took a while, but I did see it. Hannah finds a more profound joy and purpose by letting go of her hold on a specific outcome (having a child she could raise herself). It teaches us that clinging too tightly to our desires can limit our capacity to experience the joy God has planned for us. I also now know that God’s plans are bigger.
Conclusion
Hannah’s story is a testament to the enduring power of faith. Through her struggles and triumphs, we learn that God hears our prayers, even when the answer may not come when or how we expect it. Hannah’s unwavering faith and selfless sacrifice inspire us to trust in God’s timing and purpose in our lives. Hannah’s story is one of encouragement for me.
Share Your Thoughts!
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Hannah is a wonderfully inspiring model. I’ve not been able to have children of my own, but Hannah has been an encouragement to me still. God had a specific purpose in her story, but I suspect that Hannah would have responded with trust and faith if God had not blessed her with a son. Wonderful study, Paula!
Ashley thank you for sharing. Yes, I too think that Hannah would have responded with trust and faith. It still amazes me that every life circumstance is written in his Word and how we can find peace learning from those who came before us.
Paula, thank you so much for your insight and thoughts on Hannah. I am seeing these scripture sections in a new light. Thanks again.
Thanks so much for participating and sharing at SSPS 311. See you again next week https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/
You’re so welcome Esme’. I’m so glad this touched you.
Hi, Paula. I like this post. I read briefly, but will return to thoroughly read (I am needing to drive into town to meet my son). I’ll be back.
Thank you Debbie. Thanks for coming back to the post when you have time. Have a great day.
Hannah really is a wonderful example of faith in God. I feel like your first question is something all of us could answer in the affirmative–it seems to be common in the human condition to feel alone and isolated at one time or another, for one reason or another. In my own life, this feeling has varied quite a bit, but I find it interesting that there’s ALWAYS someone who knows what we’re going through, whether it’s another person walking around with us or only our Savior. I think so many of our sorrows are meant to draw us to God and His love and His peace and His strength. Visiting from Gma’s Photo Generic linkup.
You are so right here Jen. I believe that there’s always someone who knows what we’re going through. Kind of like those “you too, I thought it was just me” moments. I too think that so many of our sorrows are meant to draw us closer to God.
Hannah’s story is most encouraging. We need these reminders, Paula, of how the Lord inclines His ear to our prayers and cries. Hannah’s trust in God helps me to not grow weary but to keep on praying knowing God will answer in His time, in His way, for His purposes, and for our good. Blessings!
So true Joanne. As I grow I understand that in trusting God I can accept and wait on his timing, in his way for his purpose and my good too