Meaning of 1 Samuel 1:19

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Hannah and her longing for a child, highlighting divine intervention and the fulfillment of a heartfelt prayer. The immediate aftermath of Hannah's fervent prayer at Shiloh, where she poured out her soul to God, is described here. Her earnest plea for a son, accompanied by a vow to dedicate him to the Lord's service, had been met with a prophetic assurance from Eli the priest. The act of Elkanah making love to Hannah is not merely a biological event but signifies a return to marital intimacy and normalcy after a period of emotional distress and spiritual seeking. The crucial phrase, "and the Lord remembered her," signifies God's active engagement with her situation, initiating the fulfillment of His promise and the resolution of her deep sorrow.

Context and Background

The preceding chapters establish Hannah's profound anguish. She was barren, a source of great shame and sorrow in ancient Israelite society, particularly as her husband Elkanah had another wife, Peninnah, who bore him children. Peninnah repeatedly provoked Hannah, exacerbating her pain (1 Samuel 1:6). Hannah's visit to the sanctuary at Shiloh was a desperate act of faith, seeking divine intervention where human efforts and societal norms offered no solace. Her prayer was so intense that Eli initially mistook her for being drunk (1 Samuel 1:13). Eli's subsequent blessing, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him" (1 Samuel 1:17), coupled with his pronouncement that her prayer would be answered, set the stage for this verse.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Remembrance: The central theme is God's active remembrance of Hannah. This is not a passive recall but an active intervention, a turning point where God decides to act on her behalf. It underscores God's attentiveness to the cries of His people, especially those in distress.
• Fulfillment of Prayer: This verse signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of Hannah's prayer. Her faith, expressed through her petition and vow, is met with God's grace.
• Return to Wholeness: The act of worship and the return to marital intimacy symbolize a restoration of Hannah's emotional and spiritual well-being. The deep sorrow that had gripped her begins to dissipate as hope is rekindled.
• Sovereignty of God: The narrative emphasizes God's ultimate control over human fertility and destiny. While natural processes are involved, it is God who opens the womb and grants the desired outcome.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This passage offers profound spiritual lessons for believers today. It teaches us the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Hannah's example demonstrates that God hears our prayers and, in His perfect timing, can bring about solutions and blessings. The "remembrance" of God is a powerful reminder of His covenant faithfulness and His personal interest in the lives of those who seek Him. It encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when the path is unclear, and to believe that He can bring about a "remembrance" in our own lives, resolving our struggles and fulfilling our righteous desires.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

The story of Hannah and the birth of Samuel is foundational to the transition from the era of the Judges to the monarchy in Israel. Samuel, born from Hannah's prayer, becomes a pivotal prophet and judge who anoints both Saul and David as kings. This verse, therefore, is not just a personal triumph for Hannah but a divinely orchestrated event that shapes the future leadership and destiny of Israel. It exemplifies God's pattern of using humble individuals and answered prayers to bring about His grand purposes.

Analogies

One analogy for "the Lord remembered her" could be a gardener who has been diligently tending a barren patch of soil. Despite the lack of visible growth, they continue to water and care for it, trusting that the right conditions will eventually lead to blooming. When the first sprout finally appears, it is not a surprise but the fulfillment of their patient labor and the soil's inherent potential, awakened by the gardener's consistent care. Similarly, God, the divine Gardener, had been attending to Hannah's spiritual "soil," and her prayer was the catalyst for the "sprout" of life to appear.

Another analogy is a locked door that has been rattling for years. The person seeking entry has tried every key, but none fit. Then, a locksmith arrives, examines the lock, and with a specific, well-placed turn, the door swings open. God's "remembrance" is akin to that locksmith's precise action, unlocking the door of Hannah's barrenness and allowing the desired outcome to enter.

Relation to Other Verses

• Psalm 113:9: "He gives the childless woman a home—making her the joyous mother of many children. Praise the Lord." This psalm directly echoes Hannah's experience, highlighting God's ability to transform barrenness into fruitfulness and joy, a testament to His merciful power.
• Luke 1:36-37: "Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to have children is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail." This New Testament passage demonstrates a parallel to Hannah's story, showing God's continued faithfulness in granting children to the seemingly impossible, underscoring that "nothing will be impossible with God."
• James 5:16: "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." Hannah's prayer, offered with deep sincerity and faith, is an example of the powerful and effective prayer of a righteous individual, which God honors and answers.