“And as he did so year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she provoked her; therefore she wept, and did not eat.”
Context:First Samuel is a book in the Old Testament of the Bible and is named after its primary character, Samuel. The book recounts the transition of Israel from the period of judges to the establishment of a monarchy under King Saul and later King David. The passage we are studying focuses on a woman named Hannah.
Yearly pilgrimage:The verse begins by mentioning that Hannah went up to the house of the Lord year by year. This refers to the annual pilgrimage to the tabernacle at Shiloh, where people would gather to worship and offer sacrifices to God. This indicates Hannah’s devotion and commitment to worship God regularly.
Provocation:The verse states that Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, provoked Hannah. Peninnah’s provocation likely involved mocking or taunting Hannah, possibly due to her barrenness. In those times, infertility was considered a significant burden and a cause for shame, as having children was highly valued. Peninnah’s actions caused great emotional distress to Hannah.
Hannah’s response:The verse reveals Hannah’s emotional turmoil as a result of Peninnah’s provocation. She wept and refused to eat. Hannah’s tears and refusal to eat signify her deep sorrow and distress. It shows how deeply she desired to have children and the pain she experienced due to her barrenness.
Perseverance in worship:Hannah’s commitment to worship God despite her personal struggles is commendable. Her yearly pilgrimage to the house of the Lord demonstrates her faithfulness and dedication to God. It teaches us the importance of consistently seeking God and worshiping Him, even in challenging times.
Dealing with provocation:Peninnah’s provocation caused Hannah great anguish. This reminds us that in life, we may encounter people who intentionally try to hurt or provoke us. In such situations, it is crucial to respond with grace and trust in God rather than allowing bitterness or resentment to consume us.
Honest expression of emotions:Hannah’s tears and refusal to eat show her deep emotional pain. It is essential to acknowledge and express our emotions honestly before God. Hannah’s example encourages us to pour out our hearts to God, seeking comfort, guidance, and healing in times of distress.
God’s faithfulness:As we continue reading 1 Samuel, we discover that God eventually answers Hannah’s prayers and blesses her with a son, Samuel, who becomes a prominent prophet in Israel’s history. This reminds us of God’s faithfulness and His ability to bring about blessings and fulfill our deepest desires in His perfect timing.
Overall, 1 Samuel 1:7 highlights the emotional struggles faced by Hannah due to her barrenness and the provocation from Peninnah. It teaches us valuable lessons about perseverance in worship, dealing with provocation, expressing our emotions before God, and trusting in His faithfulness.
