1 SAMUEL 1

HANNAH PRAYERFULLY PLEADS GOD FOR A SON

A man named Elkanah has two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Although Hannah cannot have children, Elkanah loves her more.

Out of jealousy, Peninnah provokes and irritates Hannah, mocking her for being childless. Elkanah reassures Hannah that their relationship is extremely valuable to him regardless of her ability to have children.

Hannah goes to worship, passionately and prayerfully weeping, as she cries out to God to give her a son. She promises God that if He grants her a son, she will dedicate him back to God. Eli, the high priest, sees Hannah and assumes she is drunk because of her great distress. Hannah assures Eli that she is not drunk, but that she is pouring out her soul before God.

Seeing Hannah’s fervor, Eli promises that God will provide her a son. When Hannah conceives a son, she names him Samuel and praises God for His provision.