As far as present day impact, Hannah may be the Book of Samuel’s true superstar. While David, who is credited with writing the Psalms, also appears in Samuel, Hannah inspired generations as to devotional prayer. Hannah’s zeal is emulated by worshipers daily around the world as they pray.
Beyond her ability to wax out a prayer, Hannah also displayed talent in a song long before David sang a hallelujah. Her inspirational lyrics rival all others. Her song’s lines include “He humbles and he even elevates”, “he raises the needy from the dirt” and “from the trash heaps, he lifts the destitute to seat [them] with nobles to endow them with a seat of honor.” Samuel 2:7-8 She inspires as she speaks of the Lord’s potentiality for each individual. Samuel 2:7-8.
With respect to this Post, however, Hannah’s tale brings two powerful Ten Commandments’ moments.
Hannah was favored by her husband Elkanah over his other wife. Despite Elkanah’s other wife, Penninah, having numerous children while Hannah remained barren, Penninah was bitter. She would provoke Hannah in order to irritate. Peninnah appeared jealous as to the quality of Hannah’s marital relationship.
In distress, Hannah, while at Shiloh, prayed. “She made a vow and said, ‘Hashem, Master of Legions, if you take note of the suffering of your maidservant, and you remember me, and do not forget your maidservant, and give your maidservant male offspring, then I shall give him to Hashem all the days of his life, and razor shall not come upon his head.'” Samuel 1:11. After this, Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to Samuel. After weaning him, she brought him to Shiloh and presented him to the Priest Eli. She said “please, my lord, By your life, my lord, I am the woman who was standing by you here praying to Hashem. This is the child I prayed for; Hashem granted me my request that I asked of him. Furthermore, I have dedicated him to Hashem- all the request that I asked of him. Furthermore, I have dedicated him to Hashem- all the days that he lives he is dedicated to Hashem.” Samuel 1:26-28.
From these parts of Hannah’s tale, we first address coveting. Coverings drives negative behavior. Penninah’s jealousy of Hannah manifested in provocation. The conduct’s real outrageousness is that Penninah lacked the ability to appreciate her own happiness. She was blessed with children while Hannah was pained to be barren. [note: For teaching coveting and bullying, this tale is excellent. Thus, a class discussion topic can be: How and why does bullying happen as a result of coveting?”]
The second commandments’ topic is Hannah’s use of the Lord’s name. Hannah vowed to the Lord a major commitment towards her son’s future. Despite the huge sacrifice in devoting her child to Hashem, she did not try to back out and solidly fulfilled this obligation. [note: This, again, offers many discussion topics. What is the role of Parents and Children? Was it fair to Samuel that he be dedicated to Hashem? What is the role of Children in society? In modern times, are Children intended to be entertainment for their Parents? In ancient times, what were Children intended for? ]
Pedagogically, Hannah, with respect to the Ten Commandments, offers lessons both with respect to the positivity factor of a fulfilled vow as well negativity that manifests from from coveting.
Be well!!
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