This is the fourth installment of Tackling “THE WHY” article series. The first three installments can be found here: Part I, Part II, Part III. The purpose of this article series is to help us deal with tough circumstances in life through relating to biblical figures and situations, thereby helping us grow in our faith in GOD.
This week we will continue to look at Hannah’s trial and trust in the LORD.
Hannah (1 Samuel 1:1 – 2:11)
As the narrative continues, after worshipping, Hannah and her husband go back home and did what married people should do. Verse 19 states, “and the LORD remembered her.” This is directly referring back to her prayer that she prayed to the LORD from the depths of her soul. This language reminds me of the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17 and verse 21 which states that Elijah “cried unto the LORD”; verse 22 goes on to say, “and the LORD heard the voice of Elijah.” That language brings joy to my soul. GOD can hear our voice when we pray. GOD can remember us when we pray. Praise be to GOD who hears and remembers!
Back to 1 Samuel 1, verse 20 says, “So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD.”” Man, there is something about asking and receiving from the LORD. Sure, GOD made it so that when people have sex, the result is normally conception, and therefore you have many people who have children without “asking from the LORD.” But what great joy is found when one asks from the LORD, knowing that HE is the one who controls that entire process, and HE is the one who setup the process to happen in nature. People do all they can to gain skills and develop great resumes to earn a job, because naturally when you do those things you should land a job. But what great joy is found when one asks from the LORD and receives from the LORD that job; in which faith was placed in the LORD rather than your own skills and resume. There is greater joy in receiving from the LORD than perceived receiving of your own merits. James 1:16-17 puts it this way, “Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…” There is greater joy in asking and receiving from the LORD, I believe, because it reiterates GOD’s existence and HIS care and love for HIS creation.
Remember Hannah’s vow to the LORD? In verse 11 she vowed that if GOD gave here a male child, then she would give him to the LORD all the days of his life.” Well, Hannah carried through on that vow after she weaned Samuel. Another wow here! She did not wait until Samuel was five or ten years old to give him back to the LORD, but rather right after she had weaned him.
The first chapter ends with Hannah saying this, “For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition which I asked of HIM. Therefore I also have lent him to the LORD; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the LORD.” GOD gave her a son and she gave him right back to GOD. Samuel grew up to be a great prophet. I would even say that Samuel was seen as special prophet in the sight of the LORD. Samuel went on to do great things that are recorded in the book of 1 Samuel.
Though Hannah’s womb had been closed for all of those years, she prayed to the LORD and the LORD gave her Samuel. She gave Samuel back to the LORD, and the LORD blessed her with five more children (three boys and two girls). Hannah’s beautiful prayer to the LORD is written in 1 Samuel 2:1-10; you should check it out when you get a chance.
Samuel grew up and became one of the greatest prophets to ever live. So many people were blessed through Samuel. Hannah went through some pain, and we are not told why, but she cried out to the LORD, the LORD heard her and the end was better than the beginning.
This series will conclude next week with Part V. If these have been beneficial to you, I encourage you to share it with someone else.
Grace and peace.
