There are three notable women in the Old Testament found in the space of five chapters, the Book of Ruth and the first chapter of 1Samuel. They are Naomi, Ruth, and Hannah.
We meet Hannah in 1Samuel, Chapter 1. Hannah was the wife of Elkanah. Elkanah loved Hannah, but there were two problems. Problem number one—Hannah was childless. Problem number two—Elkanah had another wife (Peninnah) who was not.
In that culture, to be childless was seen as a disgrace. The most important role of a woman was to present her husband with children. Hannah desired children and was brokenhearted that she had none.
Once a year Elkanah and his two wives went to Shiloh to offer sacrifices. On this one occasion, Hannah went before the Lord and prayed. She poured her heart out to the Lord with many tears. Then she made a vow, “Lord of Hosts, if You will take notice of Your servant’s affliction, remember and not forget me, and give Your servant a son, I will give him to the LORD all the days of his life….” [1 Samuel 1:10-11 HCSB]
God answered Hannah’s prayer and Hannah kept her vow to the LORD. She took her young son Samuel after he was weaned and gave him to Eli the priest and judge. Samuel would be the last of the judges and serve as a transition from the judges in Israel to their Messianic king, David.
The one thing that always touches my soul when I think of Hannah is the love and sacrifice she must have poured into Samuel before she gave him over. Even at such a young age, Hannah’s love makes a lasting impression on Samuel. How do I know that?
Elkanah and Hannah lived in the town of Ramah. When you read 1Samuel, notice how many times it says that Samuel went back to his “hometown Ramah.”
Loving makes an eternal impression.