◄ 1 Samuel 1 ►
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Elkanah and His Wives (Psalm 113:1–9) 1Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophima in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu,b the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. 3Year after year Elkanah would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD. 4And whenever the day came for Elkanah to present his sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. 5But to Hannah he would give a double portion,c for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb. 6Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her. 7And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat. 8“Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” Hannah Prays for a Son 9So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD. 10In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears. 11And she made a vow, saying, “O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever touch his head.” 12As Hannah kept on praying before the LORD, Eli watched her mouth. 13Hannah was praying in her heart, and though her lips were moving, her voice could not be heard. So Eli thought she was drunk 14and said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine!” 15“No, my lord,” Hannah replied. “I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have not had any wine or strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16Do not take your servant for a wicked woman, for all this time I have been praying out of the depth of my anguish and grief.” 17“Go in peace,” Eli replied, “and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.” 18“May your maidservant find favor with you,” said Hannah. Then she went on her way, and she began to eat, and her face was no longer downcast. The Birth of Samuel 19The next morning they got up early to bow in worship before the LORD, and then they returned home to Ramah. And Elkanah had relations with his wife Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. 20So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel,d saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.” 21Then Elkanah and all his house went up to make the annual sacrifice to the LORD and to fulfill his vow, 22but Hannah did not go. “After the boy is weaned,” she said to her husband, “I will take him to appear before the LORD and to stay there permanently.”e 23“Do what you think is best,” her husband Elkanah replied, “and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.”f So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 24Once she had weaned him, Hannah took the boy with her, along with a three-year-old bull,g an ephah of flour,h and a skin of wine. Though the boy was still young, she brought him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh. 25And when they had slaughtered the bull, they brought the boy to Eli. 26“Please, my lord,” said Hannah, “as surely as you live, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. 27I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, 28I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD.” So they worshipedi the LORD there. Footnotes: 1 a Or from Ramathaim, a Zuphite; see LXX and 1 Chronicles 6:26 and 35. 1 b Elihu is also called Eliab and Eliel; see 1 Chronicles 6:27 and 34. 5 c Or a choice portion 20 d Samuel sounds like the Hebrew for heard of God. 22 e MT; DSS include I will offer him as a Nazirite for all time. 23 f MT; DSS, LXX, and Syriac your word 24 g DSS, LXX, and Syriac; MT three bulls 24 h An ephah is approximately 20 dry quarts or 22 liters (probably about 25.5 pounds or 11.6 kilograms of flour). 28 i One DSS manuscript; MT he worshiped Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub 1 Samuel 1 Summary The Birth of Samuel Verses 1–2 – Elkanah’s Family and Setting Elkanah, a Levite living in the Ephraimite hill country, has two wives: Peninnah, who has children, and Hannah, who has none. This painful contrast frames the whole chapter. Verses 3–8 – Rivalry and Sorrow Year after year the family travels to Shiloh to worship at the tabernacle. Elkanah gives portions of the fellowship sacrifice to Peninnah and her children, but “to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her” (v. 5). Peninnah provokes Hannah, and Hannah’s grief over childlessness leaves her weeping and unable to eat. Elkanah tries to comfort her but cannot reach her heart. Verses 9–18 – Hannah’s Prayer and Vow After the sacrificial meal, Hannah slips away to pray. “In bitterness of soul, Hannah wept much and prayed to the LORD” (v. 10). She vows that if God gives her a son, she will give him to the LORD for life and no razor will touch his head. Eli the priest, seeing her silent lips, mistakes her for a drunk, but she explains her anguish. Eli blesses her, and Hannah leaves encouraged. Verses 19–23 – God Remembers Hannah Back home at Ramah, “the LORD remembered her” (v. 19). Hannah conceives, bears a son, and names him Samuel—“heard of God.” When Elkanah heads to Shiloh the next year, Hannah stays behind until the child is weaned, intent on fulfilling her vow. Verses 24–28 – Samuel Presented to the LORD When Samuel is weaned, perhaps at age three, Hannah brings him, along with a generous offering, to Eli at Shiloh. She reminds Eli of her earlier prayer and dedicates the boy: “For this boy I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition. So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he is given over to the LORD” (vv. 27–28). Samuel begins serving in the tabernacle, and Hannah worships. In 1 Samuel 1, we encounter the stirring account of Hannah, a barren woman whose profound faith and persistent prayers result in the birth of Samuel, who would become one of Israel's great prophets. Amidst her trials and tribulations, Hannah's steadfast devotion is deeply touching, providing a timeless lesson about faith, sacrifice, and God's faithfulness. Historical and Cultural Background • Shiloh was Israel’s central worship site before Jerusalem (Joshua 18:1). Pilgrims brought annual sacrifices as directed in Deuteronomy 16:16. • Polygamy, while never God’s ideal, was tolerated in Israel. The tension between Hannah and Peninnah echoes earlier rivalries (Sarah–Hagar, Rachel–Leah). • Barrenness carried social stigma in the ancient Near East; children were seen as God’s blessing (Psalm 127:3-5). • A Nazirite-style vow (“no razor”) set Samuel apart for lifelong service, reminiscent of Samson (Judges 13:5). Archaeological Notes • Excavations at Tel Shiloh reveal large storage rooms and cultic artifacts dated to the Late Bronze–Iron Age, consistent with a central sanctuary. • Ramathaim-zophim (Ramah) is identified with modern er-Ram north of Jerusalem; pottery there matches Iron Age I, the period of Samuel’s birth. • Israelite family tombs show honor paid to ancestors, highlighting why the desire for descendants was strong. Literary Features and Themes • Reversal: the barren is blessed, the proud are humbled—a theme Hannah will sing about in 2 Samuel 2. • Silent prayer contrasts with public ritual, underscoring God’s concern for personal faith. • The chapter bridges Judges (spiritual chaos) and Kings (monarchy) by introducing Samuel, a man devoted from birth. Connections to Other Scriptures • Barren women delivered by God: Sarah (Genesis 21:1-2), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), Rachel (Genesis 30:22-23), Samson’s mother (Judges 13:2-3), Elizabeth (Luke 1:7, 13). • Hannah’s vow parallels the Nazirite regulations in Numbers 6:1-8. • Her prayer words echo in Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55): both celebrate God lifting the lowly. • Eli’s blessing (“Go in peace,” v. 17) prefigures priestly assurance in Numbers 6:24-26. Profiles: Key People and Places • Elkanah – A Levite settled in the territory of Ephraim; faithful worshiper. • Hannah – Name means “favor” or “grace”; model of persistent prayer. • Peninnah – “Pearl”; her provocation tests Hannah’s faith. • Eli – Aging high priest at Shiloh; perceptive yet flawed. • Samuel – “Heard of God”; last judge, first prophet of the monarchy era. • Shiloh – Sanctuary city roughly 20 miles north of Jerusalem; later destroyed (Jeremiah 7:12-14). Timeline c. 1120 BC – Elkanah’s family travels annually to Shiloh. c. 1115 BC – Samuel’s birth. c. 1112 BC – Samuel dedicated at Shiloh after weaning. Key Doctrinal Insights • God hears personal, heartfelt prayer; social status does not hinder divine mercy (Psalm 34:18). • Vows are solemn promises; honoring them is a mark of faith (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5). • Children are gifts to be stewarded for God’s purposes, not owned as possessions. Practical Lessons for Today 1. Persistent prayer, even in silence, reaches God when spoken from a sincere heart. 2. Painful circumstances can become platforms for God’s greater plan. 3. Encouraging words, like Eli’s blessing, can transform someone’s outlook. 4. Fulfillment of commitments to God, even costly ones, brings lasting influence—Samuel’s life will shape a nation. Connections to Additional Scriptures Philippians 4:6-7 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. Psalm 37:4 Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart. Teaching Points Hannah's Distress and Devotion Hannah was deeply distressed due to her barrenness and the provocation of her rival, Peninnah. Despite her anguish, she turned to the Lord in prayer. In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears (1 Samuel 1:10). Vow and Commitment Hannah made a vow to the Lord, promising that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord all the days of his life. This demonstrates her deep faith and commitment to God (1 Samuel 1:11). Eli's Misunderstanding and Blessing Initially, Eli the priest misunderstood Hannah's silent prayer, thinking she was drunk. However, upon realizing her sincerity, he blessed her, saying, Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him (1 Samuel 1:17). God's Faithfulness God remembered Hannah, and she conceived and bore a son, Samuel, whose name means heard by God, signifying that God heard her prayers (1 Samuel 1:20). Practical Applications Persistent Prayer Like Hannah, we should bring our deepest desires and concerns to God in prayer, trusting that He hears us even when we feel unheard. Faith in God's Timing Hannah's account reminds us to have faith in God's perfect timing, even when we face delays or disappointments. Dedication to God Consider how you can dedicate your blessings and gifts back to God, just as Hannah dedicated Samuel to the Lord. Responding to Misunderstanding When others misunderstand our intentions or actions, we can respond with grace and continue to trust in God's understanding. People 1. Elkanah Elkanah is introduced as a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He is described as the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite (1 Samuel 1:1). The Hebrew root of his name, "אֶלְקָנָה" (Elqanah), means "God has created" or "God has possessed." 2. Hannah Hannah is one of Elkanah's two wives. She is initially barren and deeply distressed by her inability to bear children. Her name in Hebrew, "חַנָּה" (Channah), means "grace" or "favor" (1 Samuel 1:2). 3. Peninnah Peninnah is Elkanah's other wife, who has children. She is described as Hannah's rival and often provokes her due to her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:2, 1:6). Her name, "פְּנִנָּה" (Peninnah), can be related to the Hebrew word for "pearl" or "coral." 4. Eli Eli is the priest at the temple in Shiloh. He observes Hannah praying fervently and initially mistakes her for being drunk. He later blesses her, and she eventually bears a son (1 Samuel 1:9, 1:12-17). The name "עֵלִי" (Eli) means "ascended" or "my God." 5. Samuel Samuel is the son born to Hannah after her prayer to God. She dedicates him to the Lord, and he is raised in the temple under Eli's guidance (1 Samuel 1:20, 1:24-28). His name, "שְׁמוּאֵל" (Shemuel), means "heard by God" or "name of God," reflecting Hannah's prayer being heard by the Lord. Places 1. Ramah This is the hometown of Elkanah and his family, including Hannah and Peninnah. It is where Elkanah's family resides and where they return after visiting Shiloh. The Hebrew root for Ramah (רָמָה) means "height" or "high place," indicating its elevated location. 2. Shiloh Shiloh is the religious center where the tabernacle of the LORD is located during this period. Elkanah and his family travel here annually to worship and offer sacrifices to the LORD. It is significant as the place where Hannah prays for a son and later dedicates Samuel to the LORD. The Hebrew root for Shiloh (שִׁלוֹ) can be associated with peace or tranquility, reflecting its role as a spiritual center. Events 1. Elkanah's Family and Annual Worship Elkanah, a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim, had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was childless. Each year, Elkanah went up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests. (1 Samuel 1:1-3) 2. Hannah's Distress and Peninnah's Provocation During the annual sacrifice, Elkanah gave portions to Peninnah and her children, but to Hannah, he gave a double portion because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb. Peninnah provoked Hannah severely to irritate her, causing Hannah to weep and not eat. (1 Samuel 1:4-7) 3. Elkanah's Consolation to Hannah Elkanah questioned Hannah, asking why she wept and did not eat, and whether he was not better to her than ten sons. This highlights Elkanah's love and concern for Hannah despite her barrenness. (1 Samuel 1:8) 4. Hannah's Prayer and Vow Deeply distressed, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly. She made a vow, saying, "O LORD of Hosts, if You will indeed look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but give Your maidservant a son, then I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head." This vow indicates a Nazirite dedication. (1 Samuel 1:9-11) 5. Eli's Misunderstanding and Hannah's Explanation As Hannah continued praying, Eli observed her mouth moving but heard no voice, leading him to think she was drunk. Hannah explained that she was not drunk but was pouring out her soul before the LORD, speaking out of her great anguish and grief. (1 Samuel 1:12-16) 6. Eli's Blessing and Hannah's Faith Eli responded by telling Hannah to go in peace and that the God of Israel would grant her petition. Hannah left, her face no longer downcast, demonstrating her faith in God's promise. (1 Samuel 1:17-18) 7. The Birth of Samuel After returning home, Elkanah knew Hannah, and the LORD remembered her. In due time, Hannah conceived and bore a son, naming him Samuel, saying, "Because I have asked for him from the LORD." The name Samuel is derived from the Hebrew "Shemuel," meaning "heard of God." (1 Samuel 1:19-20) 8. Hannah's Dedication of Samuel Hannah did not go up to Shiloh until Samuel was weaned. She told Elkanah that once the child was weaned, she would bring him to appear before the LORD and remain there forever. Elkanah agreed, saying, "Do what seems best to you." (1 Samuel 1:21-23) 9. Presentation of Samuel at Shiloh After Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to the house of the LORD at Shiloh, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour, and a skin of wine. They slaughtered the bull and brought the child to Eli. (1 Samuel 1:24-25) 10. Hannah's Fulfillment of Her Vow Hannah reminded Eli of her previous prayer and declared that the LORD had granted her petition. She then dedicated Samuel to the LORD, saying, "For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD." Samuel worshiped the LORD there, marking the fulfillment of Hannah's vow. (1 Samuel 1:26-28) Lessons from 1 Samuel 1 1. The Power of Persistent Prayer In 1 Samuel 1, we meet Hannah, a woman of deep faith who teaches us the importance of persistent prayer. Despite her initial despair over being childless, Hannah continually poured out her heart to God. Her story reminds us that prayer is not just a one-time event but a continuous conversation with our Creator. As it says in 1 Samuel 1:15, "I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the LORD." Her persistence was rewarded, showing us that God hears and answers the cries of His people. 2. Trusting in God's Timing Hannah's journey also highlights the significance of trusting in God's perfect timing. Although she longed for a child, she waited patiently for God's plan to unfold. This teaches us that while we may not always understand His timing, we can trust that it is always for our good and His glory. As we read in 1 Samuel 1:20, "So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son." Patience and faith go hand in hand. 3. The Importance of Keeping Vows Hannah made a vow to God, promising to dedicate her son to the Lord's service if He granted her a child. When God answered her prayer, she faithfully fulfilled her promise. This underscores the importance of keeping our commitments to God, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:27-28, "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD." Our words and promises to God should be taken seriously. 4. The Role of Sacrifice in Worship Hannah's story illustrates that true worship often involves sacrifice. By dedicating her long-awaited son, Samuel, to the Lord, she demonstrated her willingness to give back to God what was most precious to her. This act of worship is a powerful reminder that our relationship with God should be marked by a willingness to sacrifice for His purposes. 5. God Hears the Humble Hannah's humility before God is a key lesson from 1 Samuel 1. She approached God with a humble heart, acknowledging her dependence on Him. Her story reminds us that God is near to the humble and hears their prayers. As 1 Samuel 1:11 shows, "O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me..." God values a humble spirit. 6. The Influence of Godly Parenting Hannah's dedication of Samuel to the Lord set the stage for his future as a great prophet. Her faithfulness in raising him in the ways of the Lord had a profound impact on his life and ministry. This teaches us the importance of godly parenting and the influence it can have on future generations. 7. The Significance of Community Support Hannah's story also highlights the role of community in our spiritual journey. Eli, the priest, initially misunderstood her, but once he realized her sincerity, he blessed her. This reminds us of the importance of supporting and encouraging one another in our faith, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:17, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him." 8. The Joy of Answered Prayer When God answered Hannah's prayer, her heart was filled with joy and gratitude. Her response was one of praise and thanksgiving, as she acknowledged God's faithfulness. This teaches us to celebrate and give thanks for the blessings and answered prayers in our lives, recognizing them as gifts from God. 9. The Impact of a Faithful Witness Hannah's faith and dedication to God served as a powerful witness to those around her. Her story encourages us to live out our faith boldly, knowing that our actions and testimony can inspire others to seek God. As we see in her life, a faithful witness can have a lasting impact. 10. God's Sovereignty in Our Lives Ultimately, 1 Samuel 1 reminds us of God's sovereignty and His ability to work all things for His purposes. Hannah's story is a testament to God's control over every aspect of our lives, reassuring us that He is always at work, even when we cannot see it. Trusting in His sovereignty brings peace and confidence in our journey of faith. Topics 1. Elkanah's Family and Lineage The chapter begins by introducing Elkanah, a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. His lineage is traced back to Zuph, highlighting his Ephraimite heritage. This sets the stage for the narrative by establishing the family background. The Hebrew root for "Ephraim" (אֶפְרָיִם) signifies "fruitfulness," which contrasts with the barrenness of his wife, Hannah. 2. Polygamy and Family Dynamics Elkanah has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah has children, but Hannah is barren. This introduces the theme of polygamy and the resulting family tensions. The Hebrew word for "barren" (עֲקָרָה) underscores Hannah's plight and societal shame. 3. Elkanah's Devotion and Worship Elkanah is depicted as a devout man who goes up yearly to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts. This reflects the religious practices of the time and Elkanah's faithfulness. The term "LORD of Hosts" (יְהוָה צְבָאוֹת) emphasizes God's sovereignty and power. 4. Hannah's Distress and Prayer Hannah's deep distress over her barrenness leads her to fervent prayer at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Her vow to dedicate a son to the LORD if He grants her a child highlights her faith and desperation. The Hebrew root for "prayer" (תְּפִלָּה) is central to this narrative, emphasizing communication with God. 5. Eli's Misunderstanding and Blessing Eli, the priest, initially misunderstands Hannah's silent prayer, thinking she is drunk. Upon realizing her sincerity, he blesses her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:17). This interaction underscores themes of misjudgment and divine blessing. 6. Hannah's Faith and Fulfillment of Her Vow After returning home, Hannah conceives and bears a son, Samuel, whose name means "heard of God" (שְׁמוּאֵל). This signifies God's response to her prayer. Hannah's fulfillment of her vow by dedicating Samuel to the LORD at Shiloh demonstrates her faithfulness and gratitude. 7. Dedication of Samuel The chapter concludes with Hannah bringing Samuel to Eli at Shiloh, fulfilling her vow to dedicate him to the LORD for lifelong service. This act of dedication is a significant moment of faith and commitment, setting the stage for Samuel's future role as a prophet and leader in Israel. Themes 1. Faithfulness in Prayer Hannah's persistent prayer life is a central theme in 1 Samuel 1. Despite her barrenness, she continues to pray earnestly to the Lord for a child. This theme highlights the importance of steadfast faith and reliance on God in times of distress. The Hebrew word for prayer, "תְּפִלָּה" (tefillah), underscores the act of interceding and pleading with God, as seen in Hannah's heartfelt supplication. 2. Divine Sovereignty and Providence The narrative emphasizes God's control over human circumstances. Hannah's barrenness and subsequent conception of Samuel illustrate God's sovereignty. The text states, "The LORD had closed her womb" (1 Samuel 1:5), indicating that God is ultimately in control of life's events, and His timing is perfect. 3. Vows and Dedication to God Hannah's vow to dedicate her son to the Lord if He grants her a child is a significant theme. This reflects the seriousness of making vows to God and the importance of fulfilling them. The Hebrew term "נֶדֶר" (neder) for vow signifies a solemn promise made to God, highlighting the sacredness of such commitments. 4. God's Response to Human Suffering The narrative shows that God is attentive to human suffering and responds to the cries of His people. Hannah's distress and subsequent divine intervention demonstrate that God hears and answers prayers. The text notes, "The LORD remembered her" (1 Samuel 1:19), indicating God's compassionate response to her plight. 5. The Role of Sacrifice and Worship The theme of worship and sacrifice is evident as Elkanah and his family go to Shiloh to offer sacrifices to the Lord. This underscores the importance of worship and the sacrificial system in maintaining a relationship with God. The Hebrew word "זֶבַח" (zevach) for sacrifice highlights the act of offering something valuable to God as an expression of devotion. 6. The Power of a Godly Influence Hannah's influence as a godly mother is a theme that emerges as she dedicates Samuel to the Lord. Her faith and commitment to God set a foundation for Samuel's future role as a prophet. This theme underscores the impact of a parent's faith on their children's spiritual development. 7. The Importance of Community and Support The interactions between Hannah, Elkanah, and Eli the priest highlight the role of community in supporting individuals in their spiritual journeys. Elkanah's support of Hannah and Eli's eventual blessing illustrate the importance of encouragement and understanding within the faith community. Prayer Points Pray for the faith to trust in God's timing and sovereignty in your life. Ask God to help you remain persistent in prayer, even when answers seem delayed. Seek God's guidance in dedicating your talents and blessings for His glory. Pray for the grace to respond with understanding and patience when others misunderstand you. As we reflect on 1 Samuel 1, may we be encouraged by Hannah's example of faith and devotion, trusting that God hears our prayers and is faithful to fulfill His promises. Answering Tough Questions 1. How can Hannah’s sudden pregnancy in 1 Samuel 1:5, 20 be explained given her long-term infertility? 2. Does attributing Hannah’s childlessness and eventual conception to divine intervention (1 Samuel 1:5, 19–20) conflict with modern medical understanding? 3. Is there any archaeological or historical evidence supporting the existence of a functioning Tabernacle at Shiloh during the events of 1 Samuel 1:3? 4. How does Elkanah’s polygamous marriage in 1 Samuel 1:2 align or conflict with later biblical teachings on monogamy? 5. Does the account of dedicating Samuel to the Lord in 1 Samuel 1:11, 28 have historical or cultural corroboration outside the biblical text? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Hannah's faith amid her barrenness speak to you personally? 2. What can we learn from the interaction between Hannah and Peninnah? 3. How does the biblical perspective on Hannah's barrenness apply to modern-day struggles? 4. Reflect on the significance of Hannah's vow to God. How does it relate to personal sacrifices in our lives? 5. How does Eli's initial misunderstanding of Hannah's prayer reflect our propensity to judge before understanding the full context? 6. In what ways can you relate to Eli's quick judgment of Hannah? 7. How does Hannah's steadfast faith in God's promise, despite her circumstances, challenge your faith journey? 8. Reflect on the impact of Samuel's birth. How does this event signify divine intervention? 9. Consider the significance of Hannah returning Samuel to the Lord. How does this reflect her faith and integrity? 10. In what situations are you currently being called to demonstrate faith like Hannah's? 11. How does Hannah’s story speak to the power of persistent prayer? 12. How do Hannah's emotional struggles parallel issues in today's society? 13. How does this chapter help us understand the important role women play in God's plan? 14. How do you think Hannah’s story can inspire people facing infertility today? 15. How does Hannah’s devotion to God inspire you in your personal commitments to God? 16. How can Hannah's response to Peninnah's provocation inform the way we respond to antagonistic individuals in our lives? 17. In what ways does Hannah’s faith challenge our understanding of God’s timing? 18. How might this chapter's portrayal of prayer influence your prayer life? 19. How can we apply Hannah’s faithful fulfillment of her vow to God in our own lives? 20. Can you identify a situation in your life where you felt God intervened as He did in Hannah’s life? How does this experience shape your faith? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions