The Secrets Embedded in Hannah's Story

BARRENNESS WITH PURPOSE

“But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.” — 1 Samuel 1:5

Key observations:

  • Hannah was loved but barren

  • Her barrenness was not accidental

  • Scripture clearly says the LORD shut her womb

Spiritual insight:
Not every delay is from the enemy, some are divinely designed to produce something greater than personal comfort.

2. THE PAIN OF PROLONGED WAITING

“And her adversary also provoked her sore, for to make her fret.” — 1 Samuel 1:6

  • Peninnah had children

  • Hannah had prayer

  • Her pain was public, persistent, and personal

“Therefore she wept, and did not eat.” — 1 Samuel 1:7

Spiritual insight:
God often allows pressure to push His people into deeper prayer, not shallow faith.

3. HANNAH CHOOSES PRAYER OVER BITTERNESS

“Hannah rose up… and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.”                         — 1 Samuel 1:10

“I have poured out my soul before the LORD.” — 1 Samuel 1:15

Spiritual insight:
Breakthrough prayer is not loud but honest.

4. THE POWER OF A VOW

“If thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid… then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life.” — 1 Samuel 1:11

Hannah’s prayer was not selfish:

  • She asked for a son

  • She offered him back to God

Spiritual insight:
God entrusts blessings to those who will return them for His purposes.

5. MISUNDERSTOOD BUT NOT MOVED

“Eli thought she had been drunken.” — 1 Samuel 1:13

Spiritual insight:
The deepest prayers are often misjudged by religious people, but fully understood by God.

6. THE MOMENT OF FAITH 

“So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.” — 1 Samuel 1:18

Spiritual insight:
Faith is knowing God has answered before the answer appears.

7. GOD REMEMBERS HANNAH

“And the LORD remembered her.”— 1 Samuel 1:19

“Wherefore it came to pass, when the time was come… Hannah conceived, and bare a son.”
— 1 Samuel 1:20

Spiritual insight:
When God remembers you, history changes.

8. HANNAH KEEPS HER VOW

“Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD.” — 1 Samuel 1:28

Spiritual insight:
True faith keeps its promises after the miracle arrives.

9. HANNAH’S PRAISE BECOMES PROPHECY

“My heart rejoiceth in the LORD… He raiseth up the poor out of the dust.”
— 1 Samuel 2:1, 8

Spiritual insight:
A praying woman becomes a prophetic voice.

10. THE GREATER OUTCOME

“And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters.” — 1 Samuel 2:21

Spiritual insight:
When you surrender one blessing, God often multiplies the rest.

MAJOR THEMES FROM HANNAH’S STORY

Theme Truth
Barrenness Can be divine, not punitive
Prayer Moves God when done in faith
Vows Must be honored
Faith Shifts before evidence
Surrender Releases greater purpose
Praise Invites prophetic insight

PREACHABLE STATEMENT

Hannah didn’t just pray for a child, she prayed a prophet into existence.

KEY POINTS

  • Hannah's womb was shut by God for a reason (she was not barren)
  • She went to Shiloh (A place of God's appearance and re-appearance) to pray. She did pray at home
  • She was specific with her request (....but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child)          
  • She was determined to get her prayers answered (She spoke in her heart, only her lips moved). Proverbs 21:2 But the Lord pondereth the heart.
  • She made a vow
  • She made a promise to give all back to God (......i will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life - 1 Samuel 1:11)
  • She also made a VOW OF NAZIRITE (i.e shall no razor come upon his head)
  • Hannah fulfilled her vow.

God still answers Hannah-type prayers.