Honor Where Honor Is Due – Hannah

Our despair, our distress could be a prelude to the mighty hand of God coming into our life.

The Characters

• Elkanah – “God has obtained”
  • A man of some social standing
  • A man of moderate wealth
  • A religious man
• Hannah – “favored, gracious”
• Peninnah – “pearl or ruby”

The Vow

• Numbers 30:3-16
• I will give him back
• No razor will come upon his head

Hannah

• Only woman in OT shown going to the Lord’s house
• Only woman in OT making a vow to the Lord
• Only woman in OT specifically said to pray (longest)
• Her prayer records the most recorded utterances of God’s name
• She is the first to refer to God as “the LORD of hosts”
• She didn’t blame God. She pursued God
• She kept her vow
• Her faith changed the course of history
• Her loss was Israel’s gain

Lessons on Giving

• Elkanah (Numbers 30:10-15)
• Hannah
• All Parents

Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving