The story of hannah and the birth of samuel – हन्ना और शमूएल का जन्म की कहानी
The story of Hannah and the birth of Samuel is one of deep faith, perseverance, and the fulfillment of a heartfelt prayer. It’s found in 1 Samuel 1–2 in the Old Testament.
Hannah was married to a man named Elkanah, who had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. Although Elkanah loved Hannah deeply, she was heartbroken because she couldn’t have children, while Peninnah had several. Peninnah would often mock and provoke Hannah, making her feel even more sorrowful about her childlessness.
Each year, Elkanah and his family went to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord at the Tabernacle. During one of these visits, Hannah went to the Tabernacle alone, overwhelmed with grief. She poured her heart out to God in silent prayer, asking Him to give her a son. In her prayer, she made a solemn vow, saying:
O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head. (1 Samuel 1:11)
This vow was a commitment to dedicate her son to God as a Nazirite, someone set apart for God’s service.
As Hannah prayed silently, her lips moved, but no sound came out. Eli, the high priest, noticed her and assumed she was drunk. He reprimanded her, but Hannah explained her sorrow and the sincerity of her prayer. Eli, understanding her deep distress, blessed her and said, Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him. (1 Samuel 1:17). This encouragement lifted Hannah’s spirits, and she left with hope.
In time, God remembered Hannah, and she became pregnant. She gave birth to a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning God has heard. True to her promise, once Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to the Tabernacle at Shiloh to dedicate him to the Lord. There, she presented Samuel to Eli and said, For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord. (1 Samuel 1:27–28).
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Hannah prayed a beautiful prayer of praise and thanksgiving known as Hannah’s Song (1 Samuel 2:1–10). This prayer celebrates God’s faithfulness, justice, and sovereignty and is considered a prophetic foreshadowing of the blessings and future greatness of Israel. Hannah’s words reflect deep trust in God’s power to lift the humble and bring justice.
Hannah left Samuel in Eli’s care at the Tabernacle, where he grew up in the service of God. Over time, Samuel became one of Israel’s greatest prophets and judges, leading Israel with wisdom and anointing its first two kings, Saul and David. God blessed Hannah with more children, as she had shown deep faith and kept her promise to dedicate her firstborn son to Him.
Hannah’s persistence in prayer despite her years of sorrow and her commitment to fulfilling her vow show great faith. The birth of Samuel is a powerful example of how God hears the prayers of the faithful and acts according to His timing and purpose. Hannah’s vow and Samuel’s life in the Tabernacle demonstrate the blessings that come from lives wholly dedicated to God’s service.
Hannah’s story is a testament to how God can bring hope out of despair, turning sincere prayers into lasting blessings that impact generations.
The story of hannah and the birth of samuel – हन्ना और शमूएल का जन्म की कहानी
