Restoration & Praise Sunday School

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Devotional Reading: Isaiah 49:13–17

Background Scripture: 1 Samuel 1:1–28; 2:1–11, 18–21; 3:1–18

1 Samuel 1:9–20, 25b

9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

11 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.

12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth.

13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

19 And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

20 Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

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25b And [they] brought the child to Eli.

Key Text

Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.—1 Samuel 1:20

Lesson Aims

1. Describe Hannah’s faithfulness in keeping her promise.

2. Explain how vows show the speaker’s sincerity and witness to God’s generosity.

3. Compose a specific expression of thanksgiving for God’s gifts.

Introduction

Experiencing God's Mercy

We enjoy telling and retelling stories of dogged persistence. Consider Thomas Edison’s countless attempts at creating a functioning light bulb, or Walt Disney’s commercial failures that gave rise to an entertainment empire. Such stories inspire us to keep trying, even in the face of adversity.

But not all stories of persistence are so grandiose; many are personal. A husband and wife were desperate to have a child, but like many couples, struggled to make that hope a reality. Despite every medical intervention, it appeared their chances were slim. Fears and uncertainty clouded their prayers, and they even felt ashamed for wanting so badly what God had not made possible.

My friends’ story has a happy ending. After nearly giving up, God granted them a healthy baby girl! Her infant cries were music to their ears. Afterward, one said, “We didn’t know if we were praying for the right thing. But we knew that God would show us mercy in one way or another.”

LESSON CONTEXT

The events of today’s text occurred late in the period of the Judges, perhaps around 1100 BC. In 1 Samuel 1:1–8, Elkanah is introduced with two wives: Peninnah and Hannah. Elkanah may have been an important individual of the priestly Levitical tribe (1 Chronicles 6:23). Although Elkanah loved Hannah very much, she was unable to bear children (1 Samuel 1:8). Peninnah mocked Hannah, perhaps jealous that Elkanah gave her a greater share of their family’s annual sacrifice (1:5–6). Even though Hannah was childless, Elkanah gave her a “worthy portion,” the amount typically given to a firstborn son and heir (1:5; see Deuteronomy 21:15–17).

Scripture often frames the ability to conceive children as a capacity under the sole discretion of God (Genesis 29:31; 30:22; 1 Samuel 1:6). This is a perfectly reasonable perspective in an age before medical interventions. Just like the fertility of crops and the success of a harvest, the blessing of bearing children was attributed to God (Psalm 127:3–5). But this left many ancient women in a difficult social position. The anxiety and sorrow of infertility became a special place of God’s intervention, often signaling the coming of a remarkable child: Isaac (Genesis 21:1–2); Jacob and Esau (25:21); Joseph (30:23–24); Samson (Judges 13:2–3); and, even later, John the Baptist (Luke 1:13, 24–25). As we examine Hannah’s story, we see God’s attention turned toward her. The child of her penitent prayers will be a leader for a leaderless generation.

LESSON

9. So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

Hannah and her family have traveled to Shiloh for an annual sacrifice. They are in the habit of traveling to this sanctuary because of a local festival (Judges 21:19) or a personal desire to make sacrificial offerings to God. The temple mentioned here is not Solomon’s temple, which won’t be built for several years, but rather the tabernacle (Joshua 18:1; Psalm 78:60; compare 2 Samuel 7:6). Eli the priest presides over the temporary home for the ark of the covenant (1 Samuel 3:3).

The Bible does not say how Shiloh became the first central location for the Israelites to gather for worship and sacrifice (Joshua 18:1). But the city is mentioned more than 30 times in the Old Testament (Joshua 18:8–10; 22:12; Judges 18:31; etc.) Its eventual destruction is a consequence of disobedience (Jeremiah 7:12, 14; 26:6, 9). God’s later abandonment of Shiloh is a prelude to a more permanent sanctuary, a temple in Jerusalem (Psalm 132:13–16).

The eating and drinking described in this verse refer to the sacrifice Hannah’s family has traveled to make. Unlike burnt offerings, which are entirely consumed and for God alone (Leviticus 1:9), other kinds of sacrifices are shared and eaten. Therefore, the family eats a portion of the sacrifice together in the presence of God. Thanksgiving and peace offerings must be eaten quickly (7:15–16).

10. And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

Hannah’s bitterness of soul is her distress at being childless (see Lesson Context). Therefore, she seeks a remedy from God, the source of life and breath (Acts 17:25). The underlying Hebrew for wept sore is literally, “weeping, she was weeping.” This repetition of the verb emphasizes the seriousness of her grief. Hannah’s husband has children with his other wife (1 Samuel 1:2). So, God’s intervention is a personal request for Hannah. The family line continues without her bearing a child, but she desires fruitfulness for herself.

 What Do You Think?

   What does it mean to be “in bitterness of soul”? Have you ever felt like this?

 Digging Deeper

   Why might God allow us to experience grief, bitterness, and anguish? Consider Psalm 34:18; Matthew 5:4; and 2 Corinthians 1:3–4.

11a. 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.

The designation Lord of hosts recognizes God’s absolute power: He stands above countless angels equipped to do His bidding. By contrast, the threefold use of handmaid admits powerlessness and subservience before the Almighty. Before God, Hannah offers her faithfulness by making a vow. The literal rendering of the underlying Hebrew vowed a vow appears elsewhere in the Bible for expressions of deep commitment (see Genesis 28:20; Numbers 21:2; 30:3–4; Deuteronomy 23:21; Judges 11:30; Ecclesiastes 5:4–5). Vow formulas are standard in ancient Near Eastern prayers, not just in Israel. Vows consist of promises to a deity in return for a benefit. A vow becomes a way to seek favor or negotiate with forces beyond human control. The Bible records mixed results in attempts like this to bargain with God (Genesis 28:20–22; compare Judges 11:30–40).

In this case, readers may sympathize with Hannah, whose motivation is straightforward and personal. Hannah’s vow is not made in haste or without a plan to fulfill what is spoken. It is a last-ditch attempt to see her problem solved. Hannah requests that God not forget her. She desires the token of God’s attention to be the gift of a male child.

11b. Then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head.

Hannah pledges her future son to God’s holy service, which may be why she specifically requests a male. Her words resemble the ordinances in Exodus 13:2, 12–15, and 34:19–20, acknowledging that a firstborn belongs to God. Hannah promises a lifelong commitment to God’s purposes for her child.

The additional promise never to shave his hair is an indication of a special priestly office connected with the more temporary Nazarite vow (Numbers 6:5; Judges 13:5). Hannah volunteers her hypothetical child, setting him apart as one consecrated from birth. God nowhere says that Hannah’s son shall become a Nazarite as He does with Samson’s mother (13:2–5). Instead, Hannah seems to draw from the sacred traditions of the Nazarite vow to reinforce her dedication to God and define the purpose of this child’s life. Now, if God allows Hannah to give birth, her son will be destined to be an agent of God’s righteous purposes. The logic is that by granting a child, God would receive this person back into His service. The gift that God gives is one He also directs.

Desperate Prayers

I remember times when I was so desperate for divine intervention that I wept bitterly through my prayers. One time, many years ago, we were hoping to buy a home. We rented for a while but then desired to have a place to put down solid roots. Before long, our agent found us the perfect house! It had a fenced-in backyard and plenty of space for our family. There was even a doggy door for our family pet.

After we viewed the home, I remember returning to our rental and weeping as I prayed that God would help us purchase that home. I just knew it would be a place where our family could thrive. God heard our prayers and worked out every detail! We spent many happy years in that home.

Have you ever cried out to God, asking Him with tears to move on your behalf? Whether we get the answer we desire or not, we may rest assured that God hears our desperation and extends compassion! —B. R.

12–13. And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken.

Hannah continues praying … in her heart, or, in other words, in silence. When Eli notices her mouth, he observes the movement of her lips, but he hears no sounds. It is important to note that ancient people usually prayed aloud. In fact, this is the only time that silent prayer is explicitly mentioned in Scripture (contrast with the Spirit’s “groanings which cannot be uttered” in Romans 8:26).

The text does not say why Hannah makes a silent prayer and vow, except perhaps because the contents of her prayer are so personal. To fulfill the vow, she would later have to report it to her family and confirm it with Elkanah (see Numbers 30:10–13). But the wordless moving of lips prompts a predictable misunderstanding from the priest. He recently observed her family celebrating a sacrificial dinner, and therefore, he assumes Hannah consumed too much wine and is now acting inappropriately in God’s sanctuary. Instead of asking questions or looking for more details, Eli jumps to a hasty conclusion.

14. And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.

Eli bases his accusation on limited information (for a similar mistaken confusion in the New Testament, see Acts 2:13–15). Therefore, he comes across as insensitive to the prayers of God’s people. 1 Samuel 3 further proves Eli’s lack of spiritual discernment when he cannot hear God—unlike Hannah’s future son.

Eli’s insensitivity is also the result of deliberate blindness. His two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are widely known for scandalously stealing from the Lord’s sacrifices (1 Samuel 2:12–17). Eli rebukes his sons privately but does not remove them (2:22–25). Ironically, Eli himself will receive the Lord’s rebuke and judgment from the mouth of Hannah’s son-to-be (3:11–18; compare 2:27–36; 4:11–18).

 What Do You Think?

   Has anyone ever misinterpreted your method of worship before the Lord?

 Digging Deeper

   How might Hannah’s example help you navigate such a situation in the future?

15. And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.

Hannah firmly denies the accusation, explaining that she has had neither wine nor strong drink. Her lack of appetite is previously noted in 1 Samuel 1:7, for she was taunted into sorrow by her rival, Peninnah. Her lack of participation in the sacrificial meal shows she was not drowning her sorrows in food and drink. Fellowship with God might feel hollow compared to her offering of tears. Her response indicates that she knows “pouring” various liquids—like water or wine—is a sacrificial act (see 1 Samuel 7:6; Isaiah 57:6). Hannah has poured out her soul, meaning every part of her. She may consider her spilled tears a part of her offering.

16. Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

Belial is a transliteration of a word that occurs 27 times in the Old Testament. “Beliar” (Greek spelling) or “Belial” also appears in the New Testament (2 Corinthians 6:15). In some contexts, this word is treated as the name of a demonic figure—akin to Satan—but the word also reflects a personification of wickedness. It can be translated as “wicked” (example: Deuteronomy 15:9), “evil” (Psalm 41:8), etc. Again, an ironic twist comes in 1 Samuel 2:12, where nearly the same description—“sons of Belial”—describes Eli’s two sons. The evil that Hannah denies already resides in Eli’s household.

Hannah is no such wicked person. Her prayers are earnest, and her vow pours from an abundance of sadness and emptiness. Her genuine supplication to God and persistence attest to a pure, guileless soul who submits to God’s most excellent plan.

17. Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

Whether out of sincerity or embarrassment at being so wrong, Eli’s response is a straightforward blessing. He is instrumental in the birth of his replacement. Numbers 6:23–27 sets a precedent for priestly blessings. So, like the Aaronic priesthood, Eli blesses Hannah in the name of the Lord. Specifically, he asks that she receive an answer to her petition. Either Eli guesses her request, or his ignorance does not matter. Eli has no power to grant the request, but he adds himself to the petition on Hannah’s behalf, asking God to pay close attention to her prayers.

 What Do You Think?

   Eli blesses Hannah from his position as a priest. Who has the authority to bless in modern Christianity? Explain your answer.

 Digging Deeper

   Why might we need the blessing of someone else in the process of our petitions?

18. And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

Variations of the phrase find grace in thy sight occur two dozen times in the Old Testament. The phrase appears in contexts where humans seek right standing with God or with one another (examples: Numbers 11:15; 1 Samuel 20:29). Hannah is pleased to have Eli’s favor, but she is even more concerned that Eli’s blessing will come to pass—that God will respond. Although Eli possesses no power to bring about the blessing he voiced, he is a priest of God, and Hannah treats him with great respect.

Hannah’s decision to eat at this point indicates that her outlook has shifted. She is no longer focused on the jealous antagonism of her counterpart, Peninnah. Since Hannah has hope that God has heard her petitions, she can eat and return to the regular rhythms of her life.

Answer on the Way

Recently, my husband and I were waiting for a check to arrive. We didn’t know exactly when it would be sent, so we checked the mailbox daily—to no avail. We felt frustrated and defeated. Finally, we contacted the sender to ask about the check, and they informed us that it was going out in the mail the following day. It hadn’t left their office yet! Once we knew the check was in the mail, we no longer worried about it. We trusted that it would arrive soon.

Sometimes, we look for answers to prayer like checking the mailbox. With frustration and angst, we seek immediate answers. But having faith in God requires that we trust Him and His timing. We may rest assured that the answer—“yes” or “no”—is coming. If we trust Him, we may release worry; He’s got the outcome handled. Are you trusting that the answers you seek are on the way? Are you living in the reality of provision or “staring at the mailbox” in frustration?

—B. R.

19. And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah: and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.

The family’s home is in Ramah, which is the shortened title of “Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim” (1 Samuel 1:1). The straight-line distance between there and Shiloh is about 18 miles. To make this difficult trek, one must get underway early in the morning. Before the family departs, they offer worship to God, which is another confirmation of their devotion.

After they return home, Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, which is a polite way to say that the couple had intimate relations. The phrase the LORD remembered her does not mean that God had forgotten something, as humans might. It means that God attended to the words of her request and brought about the long-awaited result (compare Genesis 8:1; 9:15; Exodus 2:24; etc.). In this case, it means that the couple’s intimacy results in the conception of a child.

20. Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bare a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, Because I have asked him of the LORD.

Like many important births in the Bible, Samuel’s miraculous birth demonstrates that God’s hand is on the boy’s life. Although previously barren like Sarah and Rachel (see Lesson Context), Hannah receives a son despite her previous hopelessness.

Many names in Scripture signal something important about the person. The name of Hannah’s son is no different. She has a particular meaning in mind. Samuel is a combination of two words: the two final letters el are a Hebrew word for “God” (the Lord in Hannah’s explanation), and the first part of the name sounds like the Hebrew word for “ask.” Hannah intended Samuel’s name to remind everyone that he exists because … Hannah asked him of the Lord.

25b. And [they] brought the child to Eli.

Bringing Samuel to live in the sanctuary at Shiloh seems peculiar since Elkanah—and, by extension, his son Samuel—dwell in Ephraim (1 Samuel 1:1). But Hannah and Elkanah dedicate Samuel to the Lord in a particular way, one that requires his service in apprenticeship to the priest who blessed his birth.

Hannah upholds her end of the promise and fulfills her vow. Her faithfulness results in further blessings. 1 Samuel 2 tells us that she visits Samuel yearly (1 Samuel 2:19), Eli continues to bless her and Elkanah (2:20), and she bears five additional children (2:21). She disappears from the narrative after 1 Samuel 2:10, but her extraordinary child does not! He becomes the embodiment of his mother’s faith. Samuel becomes a transitional figure in the history of ancient Israel, the end of the line of judges and the first of the prophets (Acts 3:24; 13:20; Hebrews 11:32).

 What Do You Think?

   Compare (1) the dedication of Samuel to holy service by Hannah and Elkanah with (2) Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22:1–12).

 Digging Deeper

   What does it take for someone to follow through with such loyalty and commitment?

CONCLUSION

Playing Our Parts

Hannah faithfully approached God with her grief, desire, and need. Because she did, God allowed her to play a role in the grand narrative of God’s design. Hannah’s fidelity to her vow put her son in the right place at the right time to lead Israel as a priest, judge, and prophet.

Hannah models faithfulness in prayer, bravery in the face of false accusations, and dedication to her word. She asks God for her heart’s desire and then willingly returns that gift to God. Every mother knows the strength required to follow through with such a vow! May we all learn to have such faithfulness, submission, trust, and generosity in our relationships with God.

 What Do You Think?

   How does Hannah’s faithfulness inspire you toward greater faith?

 Digging Deeper

   What steps do you sense God asking you to take toward deeper prayer, faith, loyalty, or courage?