Every so often, a person will hear a tune that haunts them in the “I know this song” sense. We’ll wonder to ourselves, “where have I heard this?” The story in 1 Samuel 1 has the same effect, the effect of a familiar melodic line. As we read or hear it, the story resonates with something deep inside. Everyone has good things that they desire deeply. Good things. Gifts. In Hannah’s case, it was a child. But sometimes life seems to only give you a seat from where you watch others get what you desire, while you’re left waiting. Such seasons serve up serious questions, not about our desires but the disposition of our heart, whether that desire has become our greatest desire, greater even than our desire for God.
A Hurting Hannah and God’s Hand
In 1 Samuel 1, we see a devoted Jewish family. They are steeped in godly routines. They “used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts at Shiloh” (1 Samuel 1:3). But then comes the chorus of suffering. The first wife, named Hannah, must navigate being barren, infertile. Furthermore, as the narrator notes, “the Lord had closed her womb” (1 Samuel 1:5-6). Worse still, her rival Peninnah doesn’t only keep having children; she teases and provokes Hannah in her childlessness. It’s a crushing combo.
Many can attest to a similar combination of layered troubles.
Many can attest to a similar combination of layered trials and troubles, compounding hurts. What’s worse is when the good around you seems to patronise you, reminding you about what you desire but don’t have.
Hannah does a couple of things that are crucial to why we’re considering this story; she:
- Prayed and wept before the Lord (1 Samuel 1:7, 10-12)
- Made a vow to God, ‘Lord, give me a Samuel’ (1 Samuel 1:11).
1. Hannah Prays With Tears in Her Eyes
Firstly, Hannah prayed and wept before the Lord. It seems so simple. One might wonder what’s the point or punchline. Well, it’s this: she brought her troubles to God. How many times have we first gone to something or someone else rather than God with our problems? Why do we turn to our friends or our vices instead of the Lord? In her deep distress, Hannah cried out to her God. She “wept bitterly” but wasn’t overwhelmed to the point that she didn’t know where to turn. Instead of letting her bitterness keep her away from God, she took it to him. That’s a profound—if simple—point. We should definitely take notes from Hannah in this regard.
2. Hannah Promises to Give Back What She Desires
Secondly, we arrive at the crux of this article. Hannah specifically asks for a son, but vows that she’ll give him back to the Lord (1 Samuel 1:11). Wait a long minute, Hannah. I’ve got questions. What do you mean you’ll give him back to the Lord? Isn’t the whole point of having this child to be rid of your shame? Won’t he be your vindication? What if this son is the only child you ever have?
What Do You Desire?
Here, friends, is where God’s word pokes at the motives and desires of our hearts. None of us can hide, as the scripture hones in on our desires (Hebrews 4:12-13). Here is where God asks if he is our greatest prize, what we long for above everything else (Philippians 3:7-8, 14; Matthew 6:21; 13:44-46)?
Our desires are only as valuable as our surrender to God.
Would any of us actually ask for a Samuel? What I mean is this: would any of us bring our greatest longing before God and say to him, “if you give me this thing—whether it’s a child or marriage, a job or car—I’ll give it back to you, 100%”? I don’t know about you, but the question unnerves me. Many of the things that I’ve asked God for over the years have been solely for me. I don’t usually ask for things so that they’ll be available for God’s use. To say “Lord, give me a Samuel” is to remember that when all is said and done, we are but stewards in this life. One day, we’ll stand before God and give an account for how we used what he gave to us. On that day, we hope to hear, “well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:14-30).
In the end, life lived for things is vain (Ecclesiastes 12:2-11). For life and things are fleeting. Therefore, all of our desires and whatever we accumulate are only as valuable as our surrender to God.
We Are Blessed by God to Bless Others
Hannah doesn’t flake on her vow. Samuel is born. And after he’s weaned he’s taken to the temple at Shiloh to live his life serving the Lord under Eli the priest (1 Samuel 1:21-2:11). The first chapter of 1 Samuel ends with Hannah’s words: “For this child I prayed, and the Lord has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore, I have lent him to the Lord. As long as he lives, he is lent to the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:27-28).
As God grants our desires we must ‘lend’ all that we have to the Lord.
Likewise, as long as we live and as long as God grants our desires, we must “lend” ourselves and all that we have to the Lord. We must enlist ourselves in his service, along with the blessings God has bestowed upon us. Isn’t this the pattern established earlier in the Old Testament? “I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing” (Genesis 12:3).
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