1 Samuel 1:27

I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him,

Study Bible

I prayed
The Hebrew root for "prayed" is "פָּלַל" (palal), which means to intercede, to mediate, or to judge. In the context of Hannah's story, this word emphasizes the deep, heartfelt communication she had with God. Her prayer was not a mere recitation of words but a profound act of faith and trust. This highlights the importance of sincere prayer in the believer's life, where one pours out their soul before the Lord, trusting in His divine will and timing.

for this boy
The phrase "this boy" refers to Samuel, whose name means "heard of God" or "asked of God." This is significant because it underscores the personal and specific nature of Hannah's request. In the ancient Near Eastern context, children were seen as a blessing and a sign of God's favor. Hannah's longing for a child was not just a personal desire but also a cultural and spiritual aspiration. Her reference to Samuel as "this boy" is a testament to God's faithfulness in answering specific prayers.

and since the LORD
The use of "the LORD" here is the translation of the Hebrew "Yahweh," the covenant name of God. This name signifies God's eternal, unchanging nature and His faithfulness to His promises. Hannah's acknowledgment of Yahweh in her prayer reflects her understanding of God's sovereignty and His role as the covenant-keeping God of Israel. It is a reminder to believers of the importance of recognizing God's authority and His active presence in their lives.

has granted me
The phrase "has granted me" comes from the Hebrew "נָתַן" (natan), meaning to give or bestow. This word choice highlights the gracious and generous nature of God's response to Hannah's prayer. It emphasizes that the fulfillment of her request was not due to her merit but was a gift from God. This serves as an encouragement to believers that God, in His grace, hears and answers prayers according to His perfect will.

what I asked of Him
The act of asking, "שָׁאַל" (sha'al) in Hebrew, implies a humble petition or request. Hannah's asking was marked by humility and faith, recognizing her dependence on God for the fulfillment of her deepest desires. This phrase encapsulates the essence of prayer as a dialogue with God, where believers are invited to bring their requests before Him, trusting in His wisdom and timing. It serves as a powerful reminder of the relational aspect of prayer, where God invites His children to communicate with Him openly and honestly.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hannah
A devout woman who was initially barren. She fervently prayed for a child and vowed to dedicate him to the Lord if her prayer was answered.

2. Elkanah
Hannah's husband, who loved her deeply despite her initial barrenness. He supported her spiritual devotion and pilgrimage to Shiloh.

3. Samuel
The child for whom Hannah prayed. His birth was a direct answer to her prayers, and he would grow to become a significant prophet and leader in Israel.

4. Eli
The high priest at Shiloh who initially misunderstood Hannah's prayer but later blessed her, affirming her request to God.

5. Shiloh
The religious center where the Ark of the Covenant was located during this period. It was here that Hannah prayed and made her vow to God.

Teaching Points

The Power of Persistent Prayer
Hannah's account teaches us the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer. Despite her initial barrenness, she continued to seek God earnestly.

Faith in God's Timing
Hannah's experience reminds us that God's timing is perfect. Her patience and faith were rewarded in due time with the birth of Samuel.

Dedication to God
Hannah's vow to dedicate Samuel to the Lord challenges us to consider how we can dedicate our blessings and talents to God's service.

Trust in God's Faithfulness
The fulfillment of Hannah's prayer encourages us to trust in God's faithfulness and His ability to answer our deepest desires according to His will.

The Role of Community in Faith
Eli's blessing and the support of her husband Elkanah highlight the importance of community and spiritual leadership in nurturing our faith.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hannah's approach to prayer challenge or inspire your own prayer life?

2. In what ways can you demonstrate faith in God's timing in your current circumstances?

3. What are some areas in your life where you can dedicate your resources or talents to God's service, as Hannah did with Samuel?

4. How can you encourage others in your community to trust in God's faithfulness, especially during challenging times?

5. Reflect on a time when God answered a prayer in your life. How did that experience strengthen your faith and relationship with Him?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 21
The account of Sarah and Isaac parallels Hannah's account, highlighting God's power to open the womb and fulfill His promises.

Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages believers to present their requests to God with thanksgiving, similar to Hannah's approach in prayer.

James 5:16
Emphasizes the power of a righteous person's prayer, as demonstrated by Hannah's fervent and faithful petition.