CHARACTER STUDY OF HANNAH – MOTHER OF SAMUEL
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 Samuel 1:27
"For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him." –
Supporting Texts:
1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-11, Psalm 113:9, Philippians 4:6-7, James 5:16
INTRODUCTION:
Hannah was the mother of the prophet Samuel and a woman of great faith, perseverance, and prayer. She was married to Elkanah, who had another wife, Peninnah. Though Hannah was barren, she remained steadfast in her faith and sought the Lord persistently. God eventually answered her prayers, blessing her with a son, Samuel, whom she dedicated back to God.
Hannah's story teaches us valuable lessons about prayer, patience, faith, and the power of a life surrendered to God.
1. HANNAH'S TRIALS AND CHALLENGES
Hannah faced various struggles, yet she remained faithful to God.
a) She was barren for many years (1 Samuel 1:2)
In a society where children were seen as a sign of blessing, barrenness was considered shameful.
b) She faced provocation from Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:6)
Her rival mocked her because she had no children.
c) She experienced deep sorrow and emotional distress (1 Samuel 1:7-8)
Despite her husband’s love, she was deeply grieved.
d) She was misunderstood by Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:12-14)
While praying in deep agony, Eli thought she was drunk.
e) Biblical Example: Sarah also faced barrenness before God blessed her with Isaac (Genesis 21:1-2)
2. HANNAH'S FAITH AND PRAYER LIFE
Hannah was a woman of deep faith and fervent prayer.
a) She took her burden to the Lord in prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
She poured out her soul before God.
b) She made a vow to dedicate her child to God (1 Samuel 1:11)
She promised that if God gave her a son, he would serve the Lord all his life.
c) She prayed with sincerity and persistence (1 Samuel 1:15-16)
Her prayers were heartfelt and consistent.
d) She believed in God’s ability to answer her prayer (1 Samuel 1:18)
After praying, she left with faith and joy.
e) Biblical Example: The persistent widow also prayed without ceasing until she received justice (Luke 18:1-8)
3. HANNAH'S DIVINE BLESSING AND FULFILMENT
God answered Hannah’s prayer, proving His faithfulness.
a) God remembered her and opened her womb (1 Samuel 1:19-20)
She conceived and gave birth to Samuel.
b) She acknowledged that Samuel was a gift from God (1 Samuel 1:27)
She recognised that God had answered her prayer.
c) She fulfilled her vow and gave Samuel back to God (1 Samuel 1:28)
She was faithful in keeping her promise.
d) God blessed her with more children (1 Samuel 2:21)
Her faithfulness led to greater blessings.
e) Biblical Example: Elizabeth also experienced divine intervention in her barrenness and gave birth to John the Baptist (Luke 1:13-14)
4. HANNAH'S SONG OF PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING
Hannah’s gratitude was expressed in a song of praise to God.
a) She exalted the Lord for His greatness (1 Samuel 2:1-2)
She acknowledged God as her source of strength.
b) She declared that God humbles and exalts (1 Samuel 2:7-8)
God can lift the lowly and bring down the proud.
c) She testified that God is a faithful judge (1 Samuel 2:10)
He rewards righteousness and punishes wickedness.
d) Her song foreshadowed Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
Both women praised God for His faithfulness.
e) Biblical Example: Miriam also sang a song of praise after the Red Sea crossing (Exodus 15:20-21)
5. HANNAH AS A MODEL OF GODLY MOTHERHOOD
Hannah exemplified the qualities of a godly mother.
a) She prioritised her child’s spiritual upbringing (1 Samuel 1:28)
She dedicated Samuel to God’s service.
b) She nurtured Samuel in the ways of the Lord (1 Samuel 2:18-19)
She ensured he remained faithful to God.
c) She trusted God with her child’s future (1 Samuel 3:19-21)
Samuel grew to become a great prophet.
d) She remained steadfast in her devotion to God (1 Samuel 2:26)
Her life was marked by faith and obedience.
e) Biblical Example: Jochebed, the mother of Moses, also entrusted her child to God’s care (Exodus 2:3-9)
6. STRENGTHS OF HANNAH
Hannah demonstrated many admirable qualities.
a) She was a woman of persistent prayer (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
b) She had unshakable faith in God (1 Samuel 1:18)
c) She fulfilled her vows faithfully (1 Samuel 1:28)
d) She was a devoted mother who prioritised God’s will (1 Samuel 2:19)
e) She was grateful and full of praise (1 Samuel 2:1)
7. WEAKNESSES OF HANNAH
Although Hannah was a woman of faith, she showed some human weaknesses.
a) She initially allowed Peninnah’s words to provoke her (1 Samuel 1:6-7)
b) She struggled with deep sorrow and bitterness (1 Samuel 1:10)
c) She might have felt discouraged when Eli misunderstood her (1 Samuel 1:13-14)
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM HANNAH
Hannah’s story teaches us valuable lessons about faith and perseverance.
a) Prayer changes situations when done with sincerity and faith (Philippians 4:6-7)
b) Trusting in God’s timing brings the best results (Ecclesiastes 3:11)
c) Making and fulfilling vows to God is important (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5)
d) We should dedicate our children to God’s service (Proverbs 22:6)
e) God rewards those who seek Him diligently (Hebrews 11:6)
CONCLUSION:
Hannah’s life is a powerful example of faith, prayer, and dedication to God. She turned her sorrow into intercession, and God rewarded her with a son who became a great prophet. Her story encourages us to trust God in difficult times, remain faithful in prayer, and dedicate everything—including our children—to the Lord.
As we reflect on Hannah’s life, may we also learn to be patient, persistent, and faithful, knowing that God hears and answers prayers in His perfect time.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, give me the grace to trust You in difficult times.
2. Father, answer my prayers and turn my sorrow into joy.
3. I dedicate my life and family to You, Lord.
4. Let my testimony bring glory to Your name.
5. Grant me the strength to remain faithful in all circumstances.
