We are now looking at the top ten characters in the Old Testament. The “top ten” has been modified to include 5 men and 5 women and not include any that then been looked at recently. At number 4 is Hannah, once again a story I had forgotten.
Part of her story is found in 1 Samuel 1:7-15.
Hannah a summary
Hannah is one of the two wives of Elkanah, she is taunted by others as she is childless, she prayed for a son, promising to dedicate him to God. Her prayers were answered, and she bears Samuel who became an important leader.
I find this a difficult story. I don’t think it is telling us that if you cannot have children then all you have to do is pray and you will. Also prayer is not a transaction – if God answers my prayer then I will do… I also find it strange, Hannah wanted a child but then at the age of five she gives him up to live in the temple.
![Hannah](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/647f7309ed3f245e70cc87f2/7eb89572-e3dc-4d4f-b715-d98c7b4f7e2c/shutterstock_323944343.jpeg?format=1500w)
Maybe it tells us through adversity Hannah prayed, and eventually God helped her. It tells us of persistence ands faith.