Study together · BCS

Hannah

A barren woman who poured out her soul to God, then gave back the son he gave her.

The story

1. Year after year 1 Sam 1:1-8

   Childless and taunted by Peninnah, she weeps and will not eat.

2. Pouring out her soul 1 Sam 1:9-18

   She prays silently in deep distress; Eli first thinks she is drunk, then blesses her.

3. Samuel is born 1 Sam 1:19-23

   The LORD remembers her. She names her son Samuel.

4. Giving him back 1 Sam 1:24-28

   She brings the boy to Shiloh and lends him to the LORD.

5. Her song 1 Sam 2:1-10, 18-21

   She sings of a God who raises the poor. Each year she brings Samuel a robe, and God gives her more children.

Key verses

“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him.” 1 Samuel 1:27 (ESV)

Read together: 1 Sam 1:1-8 · 1 Sam 1:9-18 · 1 Sam 1:19-23 · 1 Sam 1:24-28 · 1 Sam 2:1-10, 18-21

Questions to sit with

1. Hannah prayed so honestly she was mistaken for drunk. What would it look like to pour out your soul to God?
2. She gave back the gift she had begged for. What has God given you that you are holding too tightly?

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible, © 2001 by Crossway. Used by permission.