Matriarchs and Mothers
Hannah
Woman of Prayer, Mother of Samuel
Description
Barren and provoked by her rival, Hannah's anguished prayer for a son demonstrates fervent faith. Her subsequent dedication of Samuel to the LORD's service and her prophetic song of thanksgiving reveal profound spiritual depth. Her faithful intercession produced one of Israel's greatest prophets.Hannah's prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10) prefigures Mary's Magnificat, sharing themes of God's sovereignty, His exaltation of the humble, and His anointed King. Her vow and its fulfillment model sacrificial devotion—returning to God the gift He had given.
Key Verses
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.
And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.
For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him:
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.