Elkanah constantly told her that he didn’t mind. That he loved her even if she never conceived. He told her that she meant more to him than 10 sons. In fact, he often presented her with gifts and extra portions of the sacrifice in an attempt to appease her. But Hannah saw the way that Elkanah looked at his other children. She observed how his eyes lit up as they ran to him. She knew that children were the joy of Elkanah’s life, and she would never provide him with that joy. It did not help that Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah would flaunt her fertility in Hannah’s face. Peninnah would push her children right up in front of Hannah and say things like, “There is nothing like children to make you feel complete” or “God’s greatest blessing is a child.”
Hannah could normally control her emotions and cordially reply, “Yes, they are beautiful children. You are very blessed.” But inside she was boiling over with anger, resentment, and feelings of inadequacy. And when these emotionally crushing episodes ended, she would run off and cry until she had no tears left.
During this past festival, she ran crying to the temple, fell before the altar of sacrifice, and poured out her soul before God. She let go of her bitterness, her sadness, and her disappointment. She made a vow before God, saying simply: “O Yahweh Sabaoth, if you will only look upon your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the YAHWEH for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.” Hannah was desperate. She was not just asking for a son. She was willing to return that son back to God for His service if only God would bless her.
And she continued to pray, her head bowed, her mouth moving, but no words coming out. The priest, Eli saw her crumpled body lying there and immediately thought that she was some drunk that had staggered up to the temple area. To further her shame, he accused her of being a lush and told her to stop with the booze. She defended herself and explained her situation. At which point, Eli quickly recanted and gave her an offhanded blessing: “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him.” Hannah left, feeling somewhat better, but still unsure as to her future. The festival ended, and their family went back home with no resolution in sight.
But soon afterward, God did the unthinkable. He opened her closed womb; he brought fertility out of her barrenness; Hannah became pregnant. It was a miracle. It was a surprise. It was a blessing straight from God. After 9 months Hannah gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, and she named him Samuel, which means “Heard of God.” She prayed to God and asked, and God heard and answered her. And she did not forget her vow. Though it was time to return once again to Shiloh for the festival, she waited until Samuel was weaned. And as hard as it was to let go, she brought him up, offered sacrifices for him, and presented him to Eli the priest. Her words again were simple, but expressed her deepest desire and thankfulness for this blessing from God. She said: “I give him to YAHWEH. For his whole life he will be given over to YAHWEH.”
The son that was given to her, Hannah gave right back to God to use as He saw fit. Hannah’s thankfulness at God’s blessing overflowed into sacrifice. Hannah was so appreciative of finally receiving God’s favor that she was willing to do whatever was required to raise a child who sought after God. And Samuel grew up to be a great prophet among the Israelites. He was the voice of God among the people. He anointed the first king. He helped rear David and anointed him as King. Hannah had no idea that her baby would be this great man and great leader. She only knew that God deserved him for whatever use he had. And that made it worth giving Samuel over to God.
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