1Sa 1:5-20 | MHM | STEP

‏ 1 Samuel 1:5-20

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v. 6–7: Peninnah was jealous and often mocked Hannah because she had no children. She did this even during worship at the house of the Lord, making Hannah even more sad. Hannah’s sorrow was so great that she could not eat at the feast. It is wrong to take pleasure in the pain of others, especially when they are already suffering (Job 1:6; Malachi 2:13 ^a).

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v. 8: Elkanah tried to comfort Hannah with kind words. He reminded her of his love, saying, Am I not better to you than ten sons? (Ecclesiastes 7:14 ^b). He wanted her to focus on the blessings she had, not just her pain. We should also remember our blessings, even when we face difficulties.

Hannah's Prayer.

This section describes how Hannah, after being gently corrected by her husband Elkanah, turned her sadness into prayer. Instead of letting her sorrow control her, she brought her pain to God. Hannah’s story reminds us that even deep grief can lead us closer to God if we choose to trust and pray.

v. 9: After Elkanah’s comforting words, Hannah controlled her sadness. She got up, ate, and tried to cheer herself. It is good to learn self-control, both over our feelings and our actions.

v. 10–11: Hannah went to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. In deep sorrow, she prayed with tears, asking God for a son. She promised that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord for his whole life and raise him as a Nazarite. Hannah’s prayer was honest, humble, and specific. She did not ask for many children, but just one, and she was willing to give her child back to God (Luke 22:44; Genesis 30:1 ^c).

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v. 12–13: Hannah prayed quietly, moving her lips but making no sound. Eli, the high priest, saw her and thought she was drunk because her prayer was silent. Sometimes people misunderstand us when we are honest with God, but God always knows what is in our heart (1 Kings 18:27; Isaiah 58:4 ^d).

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v. 14: Eli wrongly accused Hannah of being drunk and rebuked her. This was hurtful, but it shows that even good people can make mistakes and judge others unfairly. We should not be quick to think badly of others, especially when we do not know the whole story (Acts 2:13; Hebrews 5:2 ^e).

v. 15–16: Hannah answered Eli with respect. She explained that she was not drunk but was praying out of great sadness. She asked him not to think badly of her, saying she was pouring out her soul before the Lord. When people misunderstand us, we should defend ourselves truthfully but humbly (Proverbs 31:6 ^f).

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v. 17: Eli realized his mistake and blessed Hannah, saying, The God of Israel grant your request. He encouraged her to trust that God had heard her prayer. Sometimes, those who judge us wrongly can later become a source of encouragement and blessing.

v. 18: Hannah left the tabernacle feeling peaceful and hopeful. She ate her meal and was no longer sad because she had given her problem to God in prayer and believed He would answer in the best way (Philippians 4:6–7 ^g).

The Birth of Samuel; Samuel Presented to the Lord.

This passage tells the story of God answering Hannah’s prayer by giving her a son, Samuel. It also shows how Hannah kept her promise and dedicated Samuel to the Lord from a young age. The story reminds us that God hears our prayers and that we should be thankful and faithful when He blesses us.

v. 19: After the feast at Shiloh, Elkanah and his family returned home. Before leaving, they worshipped God together early in the morning. Even with a long journey ahead, they made worship their priority. This shows how important it is to start each day with God, no matter how busy we are.

v. 20: God remembered Hannah’s prayer and gave her a son. She named him Samuel, which means “asked of God” or “heard by God,” because he was the answer to her prayers. Hannah wanted everyone to remember that Samuel was a special gift from God (Psalm 116:1–2; Proverbs 31:2 ^h).