The story of Hannah and Samuel

The story of Hannah and Samuel teaches us the virtue of perseverance in prayers, faith in God, and keeping our vows or promises, among other things.

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Hannah was married to a kind and loving man, Elkanah, who loved Hannah even though they had no children. He loved her openly and often showered her with “double portions”  (1 Samuel 1:4-5) of offering whenever they went to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. These shows of affection did not go down well with her rival, Peninnah who made it her duty to always “provoke her severely, to make her miserable…” (1 Samuel 1:6).

What was Hannah’s response? Like any woman in her situation, “she wept and did not eat” (1 Samuel 1:7b). But she did not stop there! She poured out her pain, anguish, worry, sorrow – everything she felt – to God who knew all things. What a faithful response!

Whenever we feel upset or overwhelmed because of other people’s attitude, let’s take everything back to the Lord in prayers. While it is natural to respond in tears, feel pain, regret, fear, or worry, we should not stop there. Let’s press on to getting on the side of God who only can help us out of the impossible situation we might find ourselves.

Hannah prayed fervently. She was specific in her request – she wanted a son. She made a vow, promised to give the son back to God so that he could serve God all the days of his life.  Hannah’s prayers give us an insight into what kind of person she was, and what kind of mother she was hoping to be. She was a woman who loved and honoured God and willing to take responsibility for imparting faith into her children.

She knew that was God’s will for her children – and everyone else – to know, love, obey and serve God all the days of their lives. Hannah was not even going to wait until the child grew into a teen or became an adult. Her goal was like that of Timothy’s mother and grandmother, Lois, and Eunice. We learnt from Paul’s testimony about Timothy – “and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15). 

There’s much to learn from these women – Hannah, Lois, and Eunice – and their approach to godly parenting. The most obvious being to start training our children in the way of the Lord as early as possible – from when they are born.

Also recommended: BIBLE OBJECT LESSONS, CHRISTIAN DRAMA SCRIPTS, GOSPEL TRACTS, BIBLE CHARACTER STUDY.

Let’s get back to Hannah – the focus of our story.  Hannah prayed so fervently that only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Eli stood around watching and wondering what was happening to her. Well, Eli could never understand and that was why he concluded she must be drunk! So, he advised her, “how long will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!” (1 Samuel 1:14).

A sobering question for us all is what would our reaction be at this instance? If we reacted without grace and patience, then, we would respond in anger, arrogance or even disgust at Eli’s ignorance as a priest. Does he not understand what agonising in prayer could mean?

Well, Hannah was a woman full of grace. She responded in a gentle and meek manner, “No, my lord, I am a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. Do not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now” (1 Samuel 1:15-16).

Her response activated a blessing from Eli who asked her to go in peace. She believed his prophecy and a few verses down from this encounter, the bible says, “…and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the LORD remembered her. So it came to pass in the process of time that Hannah conceived and bore a son, and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the LORD” (1 Samuel 1:19-20). God answered Hannah’s prayers and put a new song in her mouth!

Hannah kept her promise to God and after weaning Samuel, she took him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh so he could serve the Lord all the days of his life.

The messages and lessons in the story of Hannah and Samuel have been retold for young learners in this Bible story teaching pack titled “God answers prayers: The story of Hannah and Samuel”.

The bible references for the story are as follows: 1 Samuel 1: 1-28; 2:19.  

Well, what does the story mean for kids?

1. Hannah prayed for a child and God gave her a child. Kids will learn that God answers prayers. He listens when we talk to Him. They will learn to trust God.
2. Hannah promised to take Samuel back to Shiloh and she did. She kept her promise to God. Kids will learn to always tell the truth. They will learn to keep their promises or not to make one at all.
3. Like Samuel, who served God all the days of his life, kids will be encouraged to serve God too.

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In this bible story teaching pack, you will get the following:

1.            Story book/cards.

2.            Sequencing flashcards.

3.            Conversation cards

4.            Story starter cards

5.            Handwriting sheet

6.            Memory verse and prayer cards

7.            Reveal-the-picture game

……..and much more!

Download this bible teaching pack for FREE today and help a child get to know more about God.

We hope you will find these resources useful in your homes, classes, churches, or any other location where you teach children the word of God.

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