Hannah’s Inner Turmoil (Biblical Story)

Tears flowed as Hannah prayed. Peninnah, the other wife of Hannah’s husband, teased her continually because she had no children. Hannah wanted a baby of her own to hold and cuddle. She felt tired of Peninnah’s verbal abuse. Her husband tried to comfort her because he loved her so much, but his words did not ease her longing. She could not eat because of the turmoil within her. Their husband gave them portions when he sacrificed but gave Hannah a double portion. That he favored Hannah probably hurt Peninnah and provoked her to tease Hannah more every year as they journeyed to Shiloh to worship. Two wives and contention probably caused plenty of tension in the home.

Hannah went in the temple to pray and even promised God that if He gave her a son, she would give that son back to Him to serve in the temple. She’d let go of the child she so dearly wanted.

Eli the priest saw Hannah’s lips move but heard nothing. He mistook her anguish for drunkenness and started to scold her, adding more emotional abuse.

Hannah replied, “No, my lord, I am a woman despairing in spirit; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord.” Her tears across her face as she spoke confirmed her words.

Eli softened. He told her to go in peace and added his desire that God answer her prayers.

Once Hannah left, she ate and no longer looked sad. She had peace from sharing her burden with God. The words of Eli probably added to her hope that God would answer this time. That peace would stay with her, and her trust in God replaced the sadness. She gave birth to a son the following year.

Today’s Peace Step: Pray for inner peace and be willing to let go of what you want.