Bible Studies
Hannah, A Servant of the King (1 Sam. 1:3-8)
Series: Studies in First SamuelIntroduction:
1. The first chapter of First Samuel introduces us to a variety of characters.a. Elkanah is introduced first. He is the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
b. Elkanah had two wives Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. Hannah becomes the main character in the account. (It is interesting to observe that like in the books of Judges and Ruth attention is given to the role of women in this biblical account.)
2. Verses 3-8 introduce us to three additional characters: Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. 3. And finally we are introduced to Samuel. 4. Reading of 1:3-8.Discussion:
I. From this reading we learn a number of important things about Hannah.A. Her husband went to Shiloh to worship on a yearly basis.
1. Shiloh was the place where the tent of meeting and the Ark of the Covenant were located at this time (Josh. 18:1). This was before the time of Jerusalem being the focal point of worship in Israel.
2. It was a family affair (1:3ff, 21).
a. Elkanah provided for sacrifices for Peninnah and her sons and daughters.
b. But to Hannah he gave a double portion.
3. Idolatry was popular during the period of the judges, but this was a family interested in the things of God.
B. Elkanah had a special affection for Hannah.
1. His special love for Hannah led to problems between Peninnah and Hannah.
2. The yearly sacrifice was a reminder of the differences between them.
3. Peninnah provoked Hannah and irritated her because she had no children.
4. Continuing one’s lineage seems very important in O.T. culture and if a wife was barren a second wife was often taken—as in the case of Abraham and Sarah.
5. Polygamy is never validated in Scripture. It is merely described and always leads to problems.
C. Hannah is an irritated and provoked woman. Her heart is sad.
1. Some might resort to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism, but not Hannah.
2. Others might have responded with hatred, bitterness and anger.
3. Elkanah tried to comfort her (1:8).
4. Hannah prayed to the Lord (1:9-11).
D. Hannah may not be as self-focused as she is often interpreted. She is a woman with focus on the things of God.
1. It is unlikely that Hannah is bargaining with God for what she can get for herself.
2. “The sentence ‘I will give him to the Lord’ has ‘performative’ force; it shows not only that Hannah promises it but also that she has already given him by faith” (NICOT, David Tsumura, p. 118). “Usually a woman who had suffered so from not having a child would not give him up once he was born, but Hannah, a dedicated woman, was willing” (Tsumura).
3. Those who make such commitments see themselves and their children as part of the plan of God. Cf. Samson’s mother and John the Baptist’s mother both saw their children as instruments of God to be used in the accomplishment of His purpose. I see Hannah as a woman that sees the spiritual need in Israel and wishes to contribute to the purpose of God through her offspring.
4. God’s positive response to her request confirms this (cf. James 4:3). This is certainly the interpretation made of her request in First Samuel. Samuel is seen as an agent of God doing the Lord’s work in his generation. As a prophet he communicates God message to the people and as a judge he acts as a deputy of God the King in applying God’s rule in the lives of the people.
II. Is this the way you see yourself and your offspring?A. You are an integral part in God’s work in the affairs of men.
1. Your relationship to God is not just about your personal salvation, nor is it just about your children being saved.
2. It is about about you and your children being a working part in accomplishing His purposes for others.
3. We are to be a salt and light influence (Matt. 5:13-16). As members of the body of Christ we are fitted and held together by what every joint supplies (Eph. 4:16).
4. You and your family are servants of God designed to serve the purpose of God in your generation (Acts 13:36).
B. Like Hannah we need to devote ourselves to God’s purposes.
1. We need to pray for His work to be accomplished and ask to be used in His service.
2. We need to dedicate the gifts He has given us to the accomplishment of His will.
3. Are God’s purposes directing your life?
4. Are you praying selfishly to spend it on your pleasures (James 4:3) or to use the gifts He gives as gifts dedicated to His service?
C. We need to be teaching our children that they are part of God’s plan so that they can see their individual and peculiar role in God’s work and plan their lives accordingly.
III. Hannah’s song in chapter 2 praises God as sovereign. He reigns over the affairs of men. Indeed, He is the King.A. The song is laid out in an alternating pattern.
1. The first part stresses God’s sovereignty.
2. The second part how he reverses human fortunes.
B. Read the song in consideration of the following outline.
1. God is sovereign (1b-3).
2. He reverses human fortunes (4-5).
3. He is sovereign (6-7).
4. He reverses human fortunes (8a).
5. He is sovereign (8b-10a).
6. He is King of the king (10b).
C. Hannah’s faith was in a God who presides over human affairs. Her’s was a God who presided over her life and over the lives of her enemies. Her God presides over the affairs of all men. Her God was the one who presided even over the affairs of the king.
1. Daniel saw God as the one who had raised up Nebuchadnezzar (2:36).
2. God raised up Cyrus (Isa. 44:28-45:1; 2 Chron. 36:22-23).
3. God raised up David and God raised up Jesus to sit on His throne (Acts 2:29ff). And yes, He is even sovereign over death. He has seated His king and has proven His sovereignty by raising Him from the dead.
Conclusion:
1. God uses people to accomplish His work. All kinds of opportunities are put before us. 2. His will will be accomplished. He will use us if we will give ourselves into His service. He will use someone else if we do not. 3. How will you be used? How will your children be used? Samuel ministered to the Lord (2:11). 4. Hannah submitted to the will of God. She was a servant of the King and so she found herself and her son blessed.
