"And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children."
Understanding the verse:The verse highlights that Elkanah, Samuel’s father, had two wives. Polygamy was a common practice in ancient times, but it was not the ideal standard set by God in the beginning (Genesis 2:24). The mention of Elkanah’s two wives sets the stage for the story to reveal the challenges faced by Hannah, one of his wives.
- Polygamy:The verse highlights that Elkanah, Samuel’s father, had two wives. Polygamy was a common practice in ancient times, but it was not the ideal standard set by God in the beginning (Genesis 2:24). The mention of Elkanah’s two wives sets the stage for the story to reveal the challenges faced by Hannah, one of his wives.
- Hannah:Hannah was one of Elkanah’s wives. The verse emphasizes her barrenness by contrasting her situation with Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, who had children. The fact that Hannah had no children was a significant source of distress for her, as having children was culturally important and considered a blessing from God.
Key lessons and themes:
- Barrenness and longing:Hannah’s barrenness and her desire for a child highlight the pain and longing experienced by those who are unable to conceive. It shows the emotional and societal pressure she faced due to her circumstances.
- God’s sovereignty:The mention of Hannah’s barrenness sets the stage for God’s intervention and His sovereignty over the situation. Throughout the Bible, we see numerous instances where God works through unlikely circumstances to fulfill His purposes.
- The faithfulness of God:Despite Hannah’s barrenness, God had a plan for her life. Subsequent verses reveal that God eventually blesses Hannah with a son, Samuel, who becomes a great prophet and judge in Israel. This demonstrates God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring hope and blessings even in the midst of challenging situations.
- The value of persistence in prayer:Hannah’s story teaches us the importance of persistently bringing our requests before God. In later verses, we see Hannah praying fervently at the tabernacle, pouring out her heart to God, and making a vow. Her persistent prayers and deep faith serve as an inspiration for believers to approach God with honesty, humility, and perseverance.
Application:
- Trust in God’s sovereignty:Like Hannah, we may face challenging circumstances or unfulfilled desires in our lives. However, we can trust in God’s sovereignty, knowing that He has a plan and purpose for our lives.
- Perseverance in prayer:Hannah’s example encourages us to persistently bring our requests before God. We can pour out our hearts to Him, seeking His guidance, provision, and intervention in our lives.
- Encouragement for the barren:Hannah’s story brings hope to those who long for children or face other forms of barrenness in their lives. It reminds us that God sees our pain and can bring about unexpected blessings in His perfect timing.
- Compassion and support:We can learn from Elkanah’s example in supporting Hannah. As believers, we should show compassion and provide support to those who are struggling, acknowledging their pain and offering encouragement.
Remember, as you study the Bible, it’s essential to read the surrounding verses and chapters to gain a deeper understanding of the context and the overall message of the passage.
