Madisonville Church of Christ

by Russell M. Kline

 

A certain Jew in ancient times named Elkanah had two wives named Hannah and Peninnah (I Sam. 1:1,2). There is nothing remarkable about this fact, for it was quite common for a man living in the ancient Middle East to have more than one wife. God "winked at" this and many other such practices, but there is no evidence that He ever really approved of, or encouraged polygamy (Acts 17:30). The Bible tells us that, in Elkanah's household, Peninnah taunted Hannah, because she had no children (I Sam. 1:2,6,7). Likely, Peninnah was motivated by jealousy over the fact that Elkanah displayed more love for Hannah than for Peninnah, and that he gave her more attention (I Sam. 1:4,5,8). Still, Peninnah's taunts hurt Hannah deeply, because, even in this day and age, a woman who is childless often feels incomplete, and unfulfilled (Gen. 30:1). Hannah became deeply depressed, so that she wept frequently, and would not eat (I Sam. 1:7).

 

But, Hannah dealt with her depression in a Biblical way, and she was able to overcome it. On an annual visit to Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was located, Hannah slipped away from the festivities to go to the Tabernacle alone, where she prayed with fervent intensity (I Sam. 1:9-11). She vowed that, if the Lord would let her have a son, she would dedicated him to a life of religious service (I Sam. 1:9). Later, she conceived and gave birth to a son whom she named Samuel, and he went on to become a prophet, priest, and judge in Israel (I Sam. 1:19,20). Many great lessons can be gleaned from the story of the life of the mother of one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament.

 

 

When burdens become unbearable, we must turn to our heavenly Father for help (I Pet. 5:7). Peninnah's unbearable harshness and Hannah's deep depression drove her to her knees, in prayer (I Sam. 1:10). When Jesus faced His most intense ordeal, He sought comfort and solace in prayer to His Father (John 17). Some Christians turn away from God, when their lives are troubled, but they are only denying themselves access to the one person who will love and care for them when no one else will (Psa. 142:4,5)!

 

Some have questioned why God allows any suffering at all to affect the lives of His children, yet it has often been pointed out that suffering can be a blessing to us (Mat. 5:10-12). The burdens we must bear in this life remind us of our need for God, and they help us to appreciate the joy and happiness that we experience in this world (Psa. 119:71; II Cor. 12:10). Hannah's desire for children, which caused her so much sorrow, later became the medium for her most profound joy. Because of her experiences, Hannah never took her son for granted, or the power of God, which made him possible.

 

 

Prayer is a vast resource, which Christians often take for granted (Jam. 5:16). However, it is a resource, which must be used properly (Mat. 6:5-13). Christians who pray for God's intercession must be faithful children of His, who are obedient to His law (John 15:7; Pro. 28:9; John 9:31). Prayer must be addressed to the Father, in Jesus' name (Luke 11:2; John 14:13,14). Every Christian must offer his prayers "in faith," expecting God to hear him, and to care about his needs (Jam. 1:6). Also, a Christian must offer his prayers