HANNAH

1 Samuel 1:1-2:11; 2:18-21

When you think of Hannah do you think of her in her role as a weeping WIFE of Elkanah; as the strong MOTHER of Samuel; as a faithful CHLD OF GOD? In all of these, HANNAH has much to TEACH US as fellow children of God.

1:1-7

• took place in latter years of Judges
  
• worship and sacrifice at Shiloh ~ Exodus 23:25, 34:20, Deuteronomy 16:16
  
• family struggles, cf: Sarah and Hagar, Genesis 16:1ff; Rachel and Leah, Genesis 30:1ff
  
• Elkanah gave Hannah a "two person" portion (Deuteronomy 12:11-18)
  
• the sorrow of childlessness; the human nature of gloating
  

Hannah, teach us to patiently wait upon the LORD!

1:8-18

• the role of a husband
  
• Hannah’s vow to have her child (should the Lord give a son) vow as a life-long Nazirite (cf: Samson) poured out her soul…heard the Lord’s blessing…left with burden removed! CAST ALL YOUR CARE….

Hannah, teach us to pray!

1:19-28

• faithfulness to vows (both Elkanah v.21, and Hannah)
  
• prayer that remembers thanks!
  

Hannah, teach us about stewardship
Hannah, teach us about a mother’s love and yet to love our Lord even more deeply!

2:1-11

Hannah’s prayer (song of praise -- all glory to the LORD!)

• Rejoices in SALVATION
  
• PRAISES the Lord for His holiness and "staying-power"
  
• REBUKES the sin of PRIDE giving glory to God
  
• EXAMPLES of GODS GREAT WORKS (cf: prophecies such as Isaiah 11:1ff, 61:1ff, Amos 9:13ff, etc.)
  
• Even POWER OVER DEATH
  
• CREATOR AND PRESERVER
  
• Reminder of proper PLACE for TRUST (Psalm 33:16-17)
  
• JUSTICE will be had
  
• God will raise up and exalt His KING
  
• cf: Mary’s song in Luke 1:46ff
  
• What led Hannah to offer this prayer? Compare the reason leading to the prayer with the content of the prayer—a lesson for our own prayers?
  

Hannah, teach us to give thanks

2:18-21

• Eli’s blessing fulfilled by God
  

Hannah, teach us of the LORD’s compassion and great love!

--Pastor Wayne C. Eichstadt