The story of Hannah and Penninah offers profound insight into the competition that often arises between women. This theme is not unique to their story—we see it echoed in the relationships between Leah and Rachel, Sarah and Hagar. It reflects a long comparison history among women, rooted in the human desire to prove oneself superior. It’s a battle of identity and worth, often driven by the need to feel better than the other.
One remarkable characteristic of Hannah that stands out is her ability to take her burdens directly to God. She ran to the throne of grace before she ran to anyone else. She was deeply grieved—a level of anguish so profound that the priest, Eli, accused her of being drunk. Her sorrow was raw and overwhelming. Meanwhile, her rival, Penninah, taunted her cruelly, rubbing salt in her wounds and constantly reminding her that God had not given her children. Many women can relate to this kind of pain: crying out to God for that one thing their heart desires, pouring out tears until there are none left.
Hannah’s devotion is inspiring. Despite her heartbreak and the limitations placed on her—her womb being closed by the Lord—she remained steadfast in her faith. Imagine a woman so faithful and committed to God, yet unable to fulfill what was seen as a fundamental role of women: childbirth. She was provoked to the point of despair, grieving so deeply that her demeanor was altered.
Have you ever desired something so desperately from God that it changed your posture? When the usual way of approaching God no longer feels sufficient? That was Hannah. She was so consumed by her pain that Eli mistook her heartfelt prayers for drunkenness and rebuked her, urging her to get herself together and leave the temple. Year after year, she remained devoted, pouring her heart out to God, but still, no child came. How do you stay steadfast in your faith when you’re doing everything God asks of you, yet remain without the one thing your heart longs for?
When God finally answered Hannah’s prayer, she didn’t cling selfishly to the blessing out of fear or insecurity. She honored her vow to God. She had promised that if God blessed her with a child, she would dedicate him back to the Lord—and she did. Hannah gave her son Samuel to God’s service and was later blessed with five more children: three sons and two daughters.
Hannah’s story is a testament to trust. She was discouraged, filled with deep anguish and sorrow. But once Eli spoke a word of blessing over her, everything changed. She trusted that God had heard her prayer. Her sorrow lifted, and she went to eat, no longer sad. In just moments, she moved from being downtrodden and discouraged to being covered by the peace of God. Unlike the Shunammite woman, whose womb was opened through honor, Hannah’s womb was opened through unwavering trust in God.
Deliberate Action: Go to God FIRST.Hannah’s example reminds us of God’s promise: Whatever we ask for in prayer, if we believe we have received it, it will be ours. Her story is a beautiful reminder of faith, trust, and the peace that comes from surrendering our desires to God.
