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.
Maybe it tells us through adversity Hannah prayed, and eventually God helped her. It tells us of persistence ands faith.