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3. Hannah

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A Word from Kay Daigle on how to use the resources for this studyI want to encourage you to complete the personal lesson below before you click on any of the accompanying elements that may be found with this lesson (audio lecture, manuscript, PowerPoint, or handout). This study was written to help you maximize your personal spiritual growth. That means that you first spend time with God through His word, and then hopefully, discuss what you learned with a small group of women. After that, if you want to hear the audio (or read the manuscript) and follow the PowerPoint, filling in the handout, then that is a great time to do it! I cannot cover all the verses in depth, but you can read and study them for yourself. It is best for you to think through the passages before hearing what anyone else thinks, even me! You will find some lessons without lectures. At our church we use some of those weeks to spend extra time in our small groups sharing life stories, having a longer prayer time, or expressing how God is working in our lives.


Have you ever had hopes and dreams that did not turn out as you planned? Perhaps you find yourself single when you desire a home and family. Maybe your career has bottomed out, or you are bored with your chosen profession. Although your dreams may be different from those of Hannah, you will identify with her feelings of disappointment and hurt.

A Precious Word from God

“For it is not by one’s own strength that one prevails” 1 Samuel 2:9c NET

Historical background: Hannah lived during the period of the judges, just as Deborah and Ruth did. Her story occurred toward the end of this time during which Israel had no king, approximately 1120 BC. Eli was both the high priest and the judge of Israel at that time.

Day One Study

Read 1 Samuel 1:1-8.

    1. Describe the situation in Hannah’s home.

    2. How would you have felt in Hannah’s situation?

  • Diamonds in the Word: Use your Bible references to read about the importance of children in that culture.

Read 1 Samuel 1:9-18.

    3. Write down the ways that Hannah dealt with her emotions. (1:10, 12, 15)

    4. Sharing question: How do you usually handle your emotions? What can you learn from Hannah?

    5. How did Eli encourage Hannah?


    6. Sharing question: Has there ever been a time in your life when God sent someone to encourage you to believe He would answer your prayers? If so, write down some specifics of what happened and how God used that encouragement to impact you.

    7. Responding to God: Write a prayer asking God either to send you someone to encourage you that He hears your prayers or to send you to encourage someone who needs it.

Day Two Study

Reread Hannah’s vow in 1 Samuel 1:11.

    8. What was Hannah’s vow?

    9. Read Numbers 6:2-8 concerning the Nazirite vow and answer these questions:

      a. What was the main point of the Nazirite vow? (Num. 6:2, 6, 8) FYI—To see the main point of any passage, look for repeated words, phrases, or ideas.

      b. What were the outward identifications that someone had taken this vow?

      c. What parallels do you see between the Nazirite and Hannah’s vow that would suggest that her son would be a lifelong Nazirite? What doesn’t seem to fit?

  • Diamonds in the Word: Find other biblical examples of Nazirites.

    10. Consider the significance of Hannah’s vow. Why do you think she was willing to make such an extreme promise?

    11. Sharing question: As a believer, you are set apart, or dedicated, to the Lord for the rest of your life, similarly to Samuel. In what outward ways should others be able to identify Christians? Can others so identify you? Why or why not?

    12. Responding to God: Through a poem, a picture, or a written prayer, describe your dedication to the Lord.


Day Three Study

Read 1 Samuel 1:19-28.

    13. Summarize what happened.

    14. Read these verses and write down what you learn about vows:

      a. Deut. 23:21-23

      b. Ecc. 5:1-7

      c. Matt. 5:33-37

  • Diamonds in the Word: Find other references to vows and promises. Compare them with these others in the previous question.

    15. Sharing question: What vows have you made before God? Considering the previous verses, how important is it to fulfill them?

    16. How does Psalm 15, especially v. 4, apply to Hannah?

    17. How would you have felt if you were Hannah, knowing that the time would come to deliver your son to the tabernacle to fulfill your vow?

    18. Responding to God: Ask God for the integrity to follow through with your promises (your word), even when it hurts to do so.



Day Four Study

Read 1 Samuel 2:1-10.

    19. Describe Hannah’s attitude as she left Samuel. (You might review 1 Samuel 1:24-28 also.)

    20. What insights do you receive from Hannah’s words that help you understand how she could have this kind of attitude at such a difficult time?

  • Diamonds in the Word: Study the sovereignty of God, either in your resources or by finding cross-references.

    21. Sharing question: Which of these truths about God do you need to remember right now in your present situation? Why?

    22. Look back at the Precious Word from God for this week, from Hannah’s words here. How did Hannah prevail in her life? What do you learn from her about prevailing in your life?

Read 1 Samuel 2:11, 18-21.

    23. How did God bless Hannah’s faithfulness to Him?

    24. Responding to God: Write a prayer of praise for something God has done for you this past week.

Day Five Study

Review Hannah’s story. Read 1 Samuel 2:12-34; 3:10-21.

    25. Record any insights you have as to God’s purpose and timing in giving Hannah her son Samuel.

  • Diamonds in the Word: Read in your reference materials about Eli and his sons.

    26. Describe Hannah’s character traits. Give specific examples of each.

    27. Sharing question: What is God saying to you personally through the story of Hannah?

    28. Responding to God: Write a prayer responding to God’s message to you.

Lisa shares her story of relinquishing something to God that was precious to her.

Lisa’s Story

When I first came on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ, I really desired to go somewhere new and leave Colorado. On my placement request form I put any where in the Midwest. I felt I had a lot of good reasons to support my desire: my dad was living in Ohio, I had several good friends on staff with Crusade there, and I was ready for a geographic change. So, the day of receiving our placement came and I very “spiritually” took my sealed placement envelope to the prayer church, prayed, opened the envelope, burst into tears, and threw the paper across the pews!

Instead of my placement being in the Midwest, it was Colorado State University (CSU) – an hour away from home! So much for my desires! It was the last place I wanted and thought I needed. I was so shocked, frustrated, and disappointed. And really mad at God. After some long discussions with the people who did my placement, I understood their reasoning behind keeping me in CO, but I still wasn’t happy about it. I finally realized that I needed to yield to God and trust in my leaders’ wisdom and the fact that God was working through them, even though I couldn’t see it at the time. Shortly after I got to CSU, I realized how God had me in the perfect place with the perfect boss; a man that to this day is one of my heroes and the first person in authority in my life to ever show me grace. His friendship and leadership has had a huge impact on why I am the person I am today.

Related Topics: Character Study, Curriculum