HANNAH‘S SONG. Following the birth of her son, Hannah’s paean of praise to her divine Benefactor rises to sublime heights. It has been referred to as the Magnificat of the Old Testament, and rightly so – many of the sentiments uttered by Mary, mother of the Lord, would indicate her awareness of Hannah’s contribution, and her identification with the experience of this great woman of old. The final words of Hannah’s song would indicate that God had taken an initial step towards the appointment of a king in Israel in the birth of Samuel. Considering the anarchic conditions that prevailed in the land, such an appointment was a means whereby a proper state of affairs might be restored. We may assume God anticipated the eventual arrival and rule of David in Hannah’s words, but beyond this He gave notice of the future coming of the Christ, and of His universal authority.
HANNAH‘S SON. That she named him Samuel (‘asked of God’), was indication that Hannah acknowledged God as the sole giver of this supreme blessing bestowed upon her. To cherish such a precious gift, so long awaited and sought with such diligence, was absolute delight. Every moment would be savoured with joy, and every mention of that name would bring to mind the goodness and faithfulness of God. May we be granted such perception as to realize that it is ‘God that giveth to all liberally’, and that ‘every good gift and every perfect gift is from above’, Jas. 1. 5, 17.
HANNAH‘S SACRIFICE. The actions of Hannah in the fulfilment of her vow are remarkable for she honoured her solemn promise to the letter. We can only imagine how heartbreaking was the day when she returned to Shiloh, the place where the vow was made, and handed over her beloved son to the service of Jehovah. Such ‘offerings’ as were rendered at the same time were little in comparison to her sacrifice – ‘I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth’. To ‘sacrifice’ is to ‘deny’ oneself in the act of costly giving, Matt. 16. 24; Rom. 12. 1.
HANNAH‘S SATISFACTION. Such was her love for Samuel, that her caring for him in a practical way continued long after she was parted from him; cf. 2. 19, ‘from year to year’.
