◄ 1 Samuel 1 ►
Book Study • Verse Study • Study Que
Summary The Birth of Samuel Hannah's narrative illustrates the profound power of faith, personal sacrifice, and God's unfailing promises. Despite her struggles and despair, she never lost faith. Her devotion led to the birth of Samuel, who grew to be a great prophet. This account encourages us to remain steadfast in our faith, especially during challenging times. Verses 1-2 (Elkanah's Family): Elkanah, a man of Ramathaim-zophim, had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. • Verses 3-8 (Family's Worship and Hannah's Distress): Each year, Elkanah traveled to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice. He distributed portions of the sacrifice to his family, giving Hannah a special portion because he loved her, despite her barrenness. But Peninnah would provoke Hannah, causing her deep distress. • Verses 9-18 (Hannah's Vow and Eli's Blessing): Hannah, in her despair, made a vow to God at the temple that if He gave her a son, she would dedicate him to God's service. Eli, the priest, initially mistook her silent prayer for drunkenness, but upon understanding her plight, he blessed her. • Verses 19-20 (Birth of Samuel): Hannah conceived and bore a son, Samuel, whom she named because she asked for him from the Lord. • Verses 21-28 (Dedication of Samuel): When Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to the temple, dedicating him to God's service as she had vowed, reminding Eli of her prayer. In 1 Samuel 1, we encounter the stirring story 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. 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 story 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) 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. 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. Bible Study 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? 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. Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions