Bible Figure
Hannah
biblical character mentioned in the Books of Samuel Hanna gardner
Hannah was the mother of Samuel, a woman of persistent prayer who dedicated her long-awaited son to the Lord's service.
Biography
First Samuel 1 portrays Hannah as deeply distressed by childlessness and by Peninnah's provocation. At Shiloh she prayed silently and vowed that if God gave her a son she would give him to the Lord. Eli initially mistook her anguish for drunkenness but then blessed her petition. Hannah conceived and named her son Samuel, associating his birth with her prayer. After weaning him, she brought Samuel to Shiloh and fulfilled her vow. Her prayer in 1 Samuel 2 celebrates God's holiness, reversals of human fortune, judgment, and exaltation of His anointed. Hannah later received additional sons and daughters.
Biblical Significance
Hannah's prayer and song introduce major themes of Samuel and Kings: God humbles the proud, raises the lowly, and establishes His anointed ruler. Her faithful dedication of Samuel directly prepares for his prophetic leadership of Israel.