Hannah: A Consecrated Mother

By David Woods

Read “Background”

Read 1 Samuel 1:9-13

Discussion: Why didn’t Hannah respond in kind to Peninnah’s abuse?

Discussion: How do you think Hannah would characterize herself at this time?

Discussion: Why does God often allow His people to experience such heart-breaking pain?

Discussion: Was Hannah’s prayer selfish? Why or why not?

Discussion: Hannah’s vow was made during a time of desperation. Do you think Hannah acted wisely?

Discussion: Why do you think Eli mistook Hannah for being drunk? Why didn’t he have greater spiritual perception?

Discussion: What lessons can we learn about judging others from Eli’s mistake?

Discussion: Why do you think Hannah failed to take offense at Eli’s rebuke?

Read 1 Samuel 1:14-17

Discussion: Is it right to bring “complaints” before God? Why or why not?

Discussion: What do we learn about true prayer from Hannah’s example?

Read 1 Samuel 1:18-23

After that crisis of desperation and after the joy of childbirth, the world must have looked a lot different to Hannah. Surely, Hannah was tempted at times to break her vow to God.

Discussion: What reasons might some give for breaking promises to God?

I find it interesting and almost odd how detached Elkanah, Hannah’s husband, was from the decision to give Samuel to God.

If I were Hannah’s husband, I might raise a few objections when I heard that she was planning to take Samuel to the Tabernacle and leave him there once he was weaned.

However, Elkanah was not truly “detached” from the process. Rather, he was in full agreement. He supported Hannah in her decision. Elkanah and Hannah’s relationship as husband and wife who were dedicated to serving God is truly beautiful.

Discussion: How can spouses assist one another in obeying and serving God today?

Discussion: What did it mean for Hannah to dedicate her son to God?

Discussion: Today, Christian parents often will “dedicate” their baby to God. Why is this dedication so important?

Discussion: How did God bless Hannah’s life? (see 1 Samuel 2:21)

Discussion: How did God use Samuel for His work?

Discussion: How would Israel’s future have been different if Hannah had not dedicated Samuel to God?

I think we can see from Hannah’s example that:

Big Idea: Living “life to the full” is only possible by living a life consecrated to God.

Discussion: What does Hannah’s example teach us about a consecrated life?

Discussion: Is Hannah’s story just an extraordinary story of one person, or does God wish all mothers (and fathers too) to completely consecrate their children to Him?

Discussion: Did Hannah’s consecration only involve her child, or did it also involve herself? Why?

Discussion: How do a complete consecration” and a “baby dedication” differ?

Reflection: Have you completely consecrated yourself to God?

Reflection: Does your life show evidence of a complete consecration to God?

Prayer: