1 Samuel 1:20: “So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the Lord for him.’”
Extended Explanation
1 Samuel 1:20 tells us the outcome of Hannah’s heartfelt prayers—God answered her by giving her the son she longed for. After Hannah’s persistent prayer and Eli’s blessing, Hannah became pregnant, and she named her son Samuel, which means “heard by God” or “asked of God.” By naming her son Samuel, Hannah acknowledged that his birth was a direct answer to her prayers, a testament to God’s faithfulness and power. This verse marks the fulfillment of God’s promise to Hannah, highlighting the importance of faith, patience, and the power of prayer.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, having children was seen as one of the greatest blessings, especially for a woman. Children were viewed as a sign of God’s favor, and they were crucial for carrying on the family line and providing security in old age. For Hannah, who had endured years of barrenness and the taunting of her rival Peninnah, Samuel’s birth was more than just the arrival of a long-awaited child; it was the turning point that transformed her sorrow into joy. Samuel would grow up to be a significant figure in Israel’s history, serving as a prophet, priest, and judge who would guide the nation back to God.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights God’s faithfulness in answering the prayers of His people, showing that He listens to the cries of those who seek Him earnestly. Hannah’s story teaches us that God’s timing is perfect, and He responds to our prayers in ways that align with His greater purposes. The birth of Samuel not only answered Hannah’s personal longing but also fulfilled a broader plan for Israel’s future. Theologically, this verse reminds us that God’s answers often exceed our immediate desires, impacting not only our lives but also the lives of others around us.
Literary Analysis
The verse uses a straightforward narrative to convey a profound moment of answered prayer. The phrase “in the course of time” underscores the patient waiting that Hannah endured, while the naming of Samuel directly ties his existence to Hannah’s relationship with God. The narrative arc from Hannah’s initial despair to the joy of Samuel’s birth creates a powerful contrast that highlights God’s transformative power. By including Hannah’s reasoning for Samuel’s name, the text emphasizes that this moment is not just about a birth but about God’s direct response to human faith and prayer.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 21:1-2 – “Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.” Like Sarah, Hannah’s story of receiving a long-awaited child demonstrates God’s faithfulness.
- Psalm 113:9 – “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.” This verse echoes the joy that Hannah must have felt when God answered her prayer.
- Luke 1:13 – “But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.’” The story of Elizabeth and Zechariah mirrors Hannah’s, showing God’s consistent pattern of answering the prayers of those who are faithful.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, this verse is a reminder that God hears our prayers and responds in His perfect timing. Hannah’s journey from deep sorrow to joy encourages us to persist in prayer, even when the wait seems long or the situation appears hopeless. Her story teaches us that God’s answers are often worth the wait, bringing not just personal fulfillment but also serving a greater purpose in His plan. This verse challenges us to trust that God is at work, even when we don’t see immediate results, and to remain faithful in prayer and worship.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse beautifully illustrates God’s loving nature, showing that He is not distant or indifferent to our needs. God’s remembrance of Hannah and His answer to her prayer reveal His deep compassion and personal involvement in the lives of His people. God’s love is shown not just in the granting of Hannah’s request but also in the way He uses her story to bring about His greater purposes for Israel. This verse is a testament to the fact that God’s love is active, attentive, and always working for our good.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Hannah’s story of answered prayer connects to the hope and promise fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Just as Samuel’s birth was an answer to prayer and a part of God’s larger plan for Israel, Jesus’ birth was the ultimate answer to humanity’s deepest need for salvation. Jesus’ coming into the world fulfilled the long-awaited promises of God, demonstrating that God hears the cries of His people and acts in His perfect timing (Galatians 4:4-5). Christ’s birth brings joy and hope to the world, just as Samuel’s birth brought joy to Hannah, pointing us to the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does Hannah’s story encourage you to keep praying and trusting God, even when you haven’t yet seen answers?
- What does Samuel’s name, meaning “heard by God,” teach us about God’s attentiveness to our prayers?
- How can you find peace in knowing that God’s timing is perfect, even when His answers take longer than expected?
- In what ways can you celebrate and give thanks for the ways God has answered your prayers, just as Hannah did?