1 Samuel 1:5

But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.

Study Bible

But to Hannah
The name "Hannah" in Hebrew is "Channah," which means "grace" or "favor." This name is significant as it reflects the grace of God that will eventually be bestowed upon her. Hannah's account is one of deep personal struggle and faith, and her name foreshadows the divine favor she will receive. In the context of ancient Israel, a woman's identity and worth were often tied to her ability to bear children, making Hannah's situation particularly poignant.

he would give
The act of giving here is significant. In Hebrew, the verb "natan" is used, which means "to give" or "to bestow." This action by Elkanah, Hannah's husband, is an expression of love and favor. It is a deliberate act that goes beyond cultural norms, showing his deep affection and support for Hannah despite her barrenness.

a double portion
The phrase "double portion" is translated from the Hebrew "manah 'ahath appayim," which literally means "a portion of two faces." This idiom suggests a portion that is double or abundant. In the cultural context, this was a significant gesture, as it was customary to give a single portion to each family member. Elkanah's giving of a double portion to Hannah signifies his special love and esteem for her, despite her inability to bear children.

for he loved her
The Hebrew word for love here is "ahav," which denotes a deep, abiding affection. Elkanah's love for Hannah is profound and unconditional, not based on her ability to fulfill societal expectations of motherhood. This love is a reflection of God's love for His people, which is not contingent on their actions or status.

even though the LORD had closed her womb
This phrase acknowledges the sovereignty of God in Hannah's situation. The Hebrew word for "closed" is "sagar," which means to shut or close up. This indicates that Hannah's barrenness was not due to any fault of her own but was part of God's divine plan. In the ancient Near Eastern context, fertility was often seen as a blessing from the gods, and barrenness as a curse. However, this verse challenges that notion by attributing Hannah's condition to the LORD, suggesting a purpose beyond human understanding. It sets the stage for the miraculous intervention that will follow, highlighting themes of faith, patience, and divine timing.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hannah
A devout woman and the wife of Elkanah, who is deeply loved by her husband but is barren, which causes her great distress.

2. Elkanah
Hannah's husband, who shows his love for her by giving her a double portion of the sacrificial offering.

3. Peninnah
Elkanah's other wife, who has children and often provokes Hannah because of her barrenness.

4. Shiloh
The religious center where the tabernacle was located during this time, and where Elkanah and his family went to offer sacrifices.

5. The LORD
The sovereign God who, in His divine wisdom, had closed Hannah's womb, setting the stage for His greater purposes.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Our Circumstances
Recognize that God is in control, even in difficult situations like Hannah's barrenness. Trust in His timing and purposes.

The Power of Love and Support
Elkanah's love for Hannah, demonstrated through his actions, reminds us of the importance of supporting and loving those who are struggling.

Faithfulness in Worship
Despite her distress, Hannah faithfully participates in worship and sacrifices, teaching us to remain committed to God even when life is challenging.

The Role of Prayer in Trials
Hannah's account encourages us to bring our deepest desires and pains to God in prayer, trusting that He hears and cares for us.

God's Greater Plan
Sometimes God allows challenges to prepare us for greater blessings and purposes, as seen in Hannah's eventual role as the mother of Samuel.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Elkanah's treatment of Hannah reflect the biblical principle of loving and cherishing one's spouse, and how can this be applied in modern marriages?

2. In what ways does Hannah's response to her barrenness challenge us to trust in God's sovereignty over our own life circumstances?

3. How can the account of Hannah inspire us to remain faithful in worship and prayer during times of personal distress or unfulfilled desires?

4. What parallels can you draw between Hannah's account and other biblical accounts of barrenness, and what do these accounts collectively teach us about God's character?

5. How can we support and encourage those around us who are experiencing similar struggles to Hannah's, and what practical steps can we take to demonstrate Christ-like love and compassion?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 29-30
The account of Rachel and Leah, where Rachel, like Hannah, is loved by her husband but initially barren, highlighting themes of divine intervention and the importance of prayer.

Psalm 113:9
This verse speaks of God granting the barren woman a home, making her a joyful mother of children, which parallels Hannah's eventual blessing.

Luke 1:5-25
The account of Elizabeth, who was also barren until God intervened, drawing a parallel to Hannah's account and emphasizing God's power over barrenness.