Old Testament · United Monarchy

Hannah

Who was Hannah?

Hannah was a woman who prayed for a child in deep distress and, when God answered, gave her son Samuel back to the LORD.

RoleMother of the prophet Samuel

EraUnited Monarchy

SonSamuel

Known forHer prayer and her vow

LegacyA song of praise

Childless and grieved, Hannah wept and prayed so fervently at the tabernacle that the priest Eli thought she was drunk. She vowed that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the LORD.

God answered, and Samuel was born. True to her vow, Hannah brought him to serve at the tabernacle as soon as he was weaned.

Her prayer of thanksgiving, exalting the God who lifts the lowly, echoes through Scripture and anticipates Mary’s song centuries later.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

1 Samuel 1:27 “I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him,” 1 Samuel 2:1 “At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD in whom my horn is exalted. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.”

Related people