Meaning of 1 Samuel 1:6

This verse vividly portrays the profound distress experienced by Hannah due to her barrenness, a situation exacerbated by the taunting of her rival, Peninnah. The "closing of the womb" by the Lord is not presented as an arbitrary act of cruelty, but rather as a divine allowance within a patriarchal society where lineage and the bearing of children were paramount for a woman's status and security. Hannah's barrenness, therefore, was not merely a personal disappointment but a social and spiritual vulnerability, making her a target for Peninnah's cruel provocations. The repeated nature of Peninnah's "provoking" and "irritating" highlights the relentless emotional torment Hannah endured, underscoring the depth of her suffering.

Context and Background

The narrative unfolds within the household of Elkanah, a man from Ramathaim-Zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. Elkanah had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. While Elkanah clearly loved Hannah, as evidenced by his giving her a double portion of his offerings (1 Samuel 1:5), the societal structure and the blessing of children meant that Peninnah, who had borne children, held a position of advantage and, sadly, used it to assert dominance over the childless Hannah. The custom of the time, particularly in the absence of a clear patriarchal head of household within the immediate narrative, often meant that a wife's worth and place were closely tied to her fertility.

Key Themes and Messages

• Suffering and Barrenness: The verse directly addresses the pain of infertility, a theme that recurs throughout Scripture, often highlighting God's sovereign control over life and the profound emotional toll it takes.
• Rivalry and Jealousy: Peninnah's actions stem from a place of jealousy and a desire to assert her superiority, illustrating the destructive nature of envy within relationships.
• Divine Sovereignty: The attribution of Hannah's barrenness to the Lord's action emphasizes God's ultimate control over all aspects of life, including human reproduction. This is not to imply God's direct malice but His allowance and purpose within human affairs.
• Persecution and Provocation: Hannah is depicted as a victim of persistent emotional abuse, highlighting the reality of suffering inflicted by others, often stemming from insecurity or malice.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the universal human experience of facing adversity, whether it be personal struggles, societal pressures, or the cruelty of others. Hannah's situation encourages believers to acknowledge their pain and lament their circumstances before God, as she later does in her prayer. It also underscores the importance of perseverance in faith, even when circumstances seem bleak and insurmountable. The narrative of Hannah's eventual conception and birth of Samuel demonstrates that God hears the cries of His people and can bring about His purposes through seemingly impossible situations.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Hannah's story is a pivotal moment in the transition from the era of the Judges to the monarchy. Her son, Samuel, becomes a crucial prophet and judge who anoints both Saul and David, shaping the future of Israel. The theme of barrenness being overcome by divine intervention is a recurring motif in the Bible, seen in the lives of Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Samson's mother, and Elizabeth. These narratives consistently point to God's power to bring life out of barrenness, signifying spiritual fruitfulness and the fulfillment of His promises.

Analogies

One might compare Hannah's situation to a skilled artisan whose hands are bound, unable to create the masterpieces they envision, while others with lesser skill are celebrated for their work. Or consider a gardener whose plot remains barren despite diligent effort, while neighboring plots flourish, leading to mockery from those who do not understand the unseen struggle. Peninnah's actions are akin to someone constantly pointing out the barren plot, not out of empathy, but to emphasize the gardener's perceived failure.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 30:1-2: Rachel, also barren, expresses similar despair to Jacob: "Give me children, or I shall die!" This highlights the societal pressure and personal anguish associated with infertility.
• Psalm 113:9: "He makes the barren woman dwell in her house as a joyful mother of many children. Praise the Lord!" This verse echoes the eventual outcome for Hannah and points to God's power to reverse such fortunes.
• Luke 1:7: "Both Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were righteous and devout in observing all the Lord’s commands and decrees. They were childless, because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both well along in years." This parallels Hannah's situation with Elizabeth, another barren woman whose eventual pregnancy was a miraculous intervention.
• 1 Samuel 1:10: Hannah's prayer, born from this distress, is a powerful example of earnest petition: "In bitterness of soul Hannah wept much and prayed to the Lord."