The story of Hannah and Peninnah is found in the first chapter of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament. Here is an overview of their story:
Background
**Hannah and Peninnah**: Hannah and Peninnah were the two wives of Elkanah, a man from the tribe of Ephraim. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren.
The Conflict
**Peninnah's Provocation**: Peninnah often provoked and taunted Hannah because of her inability to bear children, causing Hannah much distress and sorrow.
**Elkanah's Love for Hannah**: Despite Hannah's barrenness, Elkanah loved her deeply and gave her a double portion of the sacrificial meat during their annual trip to Shiloh, where they worshipped and sacrificed to the Lord.
Hannah's Prayer
**Hannah's Vow**: Deeply troubled, Hannah prayed earnestly to the Lord, weeping bitterly. She made a vow that if God gave her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor would ever be used on his head (a Nazarite vow).
**Eli's Blessing**: As Hannah prayed silently, Eli the priest saw her lips moving and initially thought she was drunk. Upon realizing her anguish and prayer, Eli blessed her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him."
God's Answer
**Birth of Samuel**: The Lord remembered Hannah, and she conceived and bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "asked of God."
**Fulfillment of Vow**: After Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh and presented him to Eli. She fulfilled her vow by dedicating Samuel to the Lord's service.
Hannah's Praise
**Hannah's Song**: In 1 Samuel 2, Hannah offers a prayer of praise and thanksgiving, expressing her joy and gratitude to God for answering her prayer and reversing her fortunes.
Lessons and Themes
**Faith and Perseverance**: Hannah's story highlights the power of fervent prayer and faith in God's provision, even in times of deep distress.
**God's Favor**: Despite her initial barrenness and suffering, Hannah's faithfulness is rewarded by God, who grants her not only Samuel but later other children as well.
**Divine Intervention**: The story emphasizes that God hears and responds to the cries of the afflicted and can change their circumstances, bringing joy out of sorrow.#God#Grace#Joy
5 окт 2024
