The Lord instructed Moses: “Speak to the Israelites and tell them: When a man or woman makes a special vow, a Nazirite vow, to consecrate himself to the Lord, he is to abstain from wine and beer. He must not drink vinegar made from wine or beer. He must not drink any grape juice or eat fresh grapes or raisins. He is not to eat anything produced by the grapevine, from seeds to skin, during his vow. “You must not cut his hair throughout the time of his vow of consecration. He must be holy until the time is completed, during which he consecrates himself to the Lord; he is to let the hair of his head grow long. He must not go near a dead body during the time he consecrates himself to the Lord. Numbers 6:1-6
Hannah’s prayer of brokenness was poured out to God. God would understand. He closed her womb, and He could open it again. Who does Hannah pray to (1 Samuel 1:11)? She called on the Lord of Hosts. This signifies two things. The Lord is the Lord of Hosts over all the heavenly hosts, the angels, and the armies of heaven. God is the sovereign Lord. God is in control. He rules over everything. The Lord could give Hannah a child if He deems so.
What did Hannah pray (1:11)? She made a Nazirite vow. In verses 15-16, what was Hannah’s answer to Eli? Eli thought Hannah was drunk. However, she wasn’t. She was consumed with bitterness. She was praying fervently to her Lord, who could change her circumstances. She was laying everything that was deep within the heart at God’s feet.
Are there any issues taunting you? Tormenting your mind? Continuously? Are these issues keeping you from focusing on God? Take time to cry out to the Lord. He wants to hear. He will listen. Read 1 Samuel 1: 17 -18. Eli responded with graciousness and proclaimed a blessing to Hannah. How did this response from Eli affect Hannah?
She had hope. She took Eli seriously. She went home and ate a good meal. She would wait in faith in God. Her countenance changed after she met with God. Hannah’s heart was at peace, regardless of the outcome.
Read 1 Samuel 1:19-23. How did the Lord respond to the prayer of Hannah? What happened in her life? Hannah prayed that God would remember her. Guess what?! He did remember her. In His remembrance of her and His timing, He gave her the ability to conceive. She gave birth to a son. Hannah named him Samuel. Which means “name of God in the Hebrew language, which is similar to “heard by God.” God heard her cry, and He answered her prayer.
What do we learn about this family and Hannah?
Hannah kept the child with her for three years, then she kept her promise and brought the child to Eli. What is Hannah’s testimony according to verses 26-27? What did Hannah and Elkanah do in 1 Samuel 1: 28? Hannah dedicated Samuel’s life to the Lord for life. Her testimony is one of asking and receiving. Hannah recognized this; God gave her her heart’s desire; therefore, then when the time came, she gave him back to her Lord.
Hannah and Elkanah worshipped God. How is your worship? Are you living in the light of knowing that everything you have is a gift from God? Are you walking in surrender to Him moment to moment? Take a moment and think about all that God has given you. Children, marriage, finances, opportunities, and relationships. Have you given them back to the Lord in surrender? Have you offered a prayer of Thanksgiving?
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for listening to our heart’s cry. I pray that we will have the courage to come to you and lay down all of our hurts at your feet. I pray that we will have faith and hope in you that you will remember each of us.
In Jesus Name
Amen
