1 Samuel 2:5

The well-fed hire themselves out for food, but the starving hunger no more. The barren woman gives birth to seven, but she who has many sons pines away.

Study Bible

Those who were full
This phrase speaks to those who once had abundance and were self-sufficient. In the Hebrew context, "full" often implies a sense of satisfaction and self-reliance. Historically, Israel was warned against forgetting God in times of plenty (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). This serves as a reminder that earthly abundance can lead to spiritual complacency.

hire themselves out for food
The imagery here is of those who once had plenty now needing to work for their sustenance. The Hebrew word for "hire" suggests a reversal of fortune, emphasizing humility and dependence. This reflects the biblical principle that God can humble the proud and exalt the humble (James 4:10).

but those who were hungry hunger no more
This phrase highlights God's provision and reversal of circumstances. In the Hebrew tradition, hunger often symbolizes spiritual longing and dependence on God (Psalm 107:9). The transformation from hunger to satisfaction underscores God's ability to meet both physical and spiritual needs.

The barren woman gives birth to seven
In ancient Israel, barrenness was seen as a source of shame and divine disfavor. The number "seven" symbolizes completeness and perfection in Hebrew culture. This miraculous reversal signifies God's power to bring life and blessing where there was once desolation, echoing the accounts of Sarah and Hannah herself.

but she who has many sons pines away
This phrase contrasts the previous blessing with a decline for those who once seemed blessed. The Hebrew word for "pines away" suggests a wasting or diminishing. It serves as a cautionary note that earthly blessings, such as children, are not guaranteed and can be fleeting without God's sustaining grace.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hannah
The mother of Samuel, who was initially barren but prayed fervently to God for a child. Her prayer and subsequent song of thanksgiving form the context of this verse.

2. Elkanah
Hannah's husband, who had another wife, Peninnah, who had children while Hannah was barren.

3. Peninnah
Elkanah's other wife, who had many children and often provoked Hannah because of her barrenness.

4. Samuel
The son of Hannah, dedicated to the Lord, who would become a significant prophet and judge in Israel.

5. Shiloh
The place where the tabernacle was located and where Hannah prayed for a son.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Reversals
God has the power to reverse human circumstances, turning lack into abundance and sorrow into joy. This is evident in Hannah's transformation from barrenness to motherhood.

Faith and Prayer
Hannah's account encourages believers to persist in prayer and faith, trusting that God hears and responds to the cries of His people.

Humility and Dependence on God
The verse contrasts self-sufficiency with dependence on God, reminding us that true fulfillment comes from Him, not from our own efforts.

God's Justice and Provision
The verse illustrates God's justice in providing for the needy and humbling the proud, encouraging believers to trust in His provision.

Hope for the Hopeless
The transformation of the barren woman into a joyful mother serves as a message of hope for those facing seemingly impossible situations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Hannah's account in 1 Samuel 2:5 illustrate the theme of divine reversal, and what does this teach us about God's character?

2. In what ways can we apply the principle of persistent prayer, as demonstrated by Hannah, to our own lives?

3. How does the contrast between those who are full and those who are hungry in 1 Samuel 2:5 challenge our understanding of self-sufficiency versus reliance on God?

4. What other biblical accounts of barren women being blessed with children can you think of, and how do they reinforce the message of 1 Samuel 2:5?

5. How can the message of hope and transformation in 1 Samuel 2:5 encourage someone facing a difficult or seemingly hopeless situation today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 21
The account of Sarah, who was barren and later gave birth to Isaac, parallels Hannah's experience and highlights God's power to change circumstances.

Luke 1
The account of Elizabeth, who was also barren and later gave birth to John the Baptist, echoes the theme of divine intervention in human barrenness.

Psalm 113:9
This verse speaks of God granting the barren woman a home, making her a joyful mother of children, reinforcing the theme of God's provision and reversal of fortunes.