1 Samuel - Odessa, Missouri Community of Christ

10 Dr. Constable's Notes on 1 Samuel 2007 Edition"First, we are told twice that 'The Lord had closed her womb' (v. 5, 6). . . .Second, while it is Yahweh who has created Hannah's problem, Hannah'sresponse is not against Yahweh, but against Peninnah (v. 6-7). . . ."Third, the scene ends with Elkanah's four-fold question, three timeslameh, 'why,' plus a concluding question about his own value to Hannah(v. 8). Elkanah's questions are voiced in pathos. He does not understandHannah's response; moreover he is helpless to change Hannah's situation.Elkanah is helpless about the problem of barrenness caused by Yahweh,and he is helpless in the destructive interaction between his wives. Hannahis deeply needy and immobilized, and her husband is helpless. The familysystem seems desperately closed. The only opening is that every yearElkanah goes up to sacrifice to Yahweh, the very one who has closedHannah's womb." 18Hannah's lament and Eli's response 1:9-18These verses provide some insight into the godly character of Samuel's mother and herpersonal relationship with Yahweh. That she would offer her son to God's service for lifewas similar to asking that God would lead your child into "the ministry." Asking that hewould be a lifetime Nazirite was similar to asking that your child would dedicate himselfcompletely to God, not just by profession but also by conviction. Hannah showed that shedesired the honor of Yahweh more than simply gaining relief from her abusers. Shewanted to make a positive contribution to God's program for Israel by providing a godlyleader, not just to bear a child. 19The record of Eli's observations of and dialogue with Hannah (vv. 12-17) confirms thesincerity and appropriateness of her petition. Eli did not rebuke Hannah but commendedher. 20 However, Eli's response to Hannah reveals his instability. He misunderstoodHannah because he did not perceive her correctly. This weakness surfaces again later andaccounts for his demise. Prayer in the ancient world was usually audible (cf. Ps. 3:4; 4:1;6:9; et al.; Dan. 6:10-11). 21Pouring out one's soul before God (v. 15) graphically describes earnest, burdenedpraying. 22 This kind of praying frequently results in a release of anxiety, as it did inHannah's case (v. 18; cf. Phil. 4:6-7)."The issues now turn not on barrenness and birth, but upon submission toYahweh and trust in Yahweh. Thus while the two scenes share a common18 Brueggemann, p. 35.19 Compare the blessing God gave Samson's parents in Judges 13:2-5 that probably came just a few yearsbefore Hannah made her vow.20 This is the only Old Testament passage that shows a priest blessing an individual worshipper.21 Ronald F. Youngblood, "1, 2 Samuel," in Deuteronomy-2 Samuel, vol. 3 of The Expositor's BibleCommentary, p. 573.22 G. W. Ahlstrom, "I Samuel 1,15," Biblica 60:2 (1979):254.