Hannah’s Praise , 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Luke 1:42-55; Galatians 4:21-28 | Sermon by Father.Mungamuri Devadasu

When Hannah received a son in answer to her prayers, she praised the Lord with heartfelt gratitude. Her praise is simple yet profound, echoing the devotion of all who worship God. It is structured in three key parts.

1. Praise for God’s Blessings

Hannah rejoiced in the blessings she received from God. She glorified Him as the source of her joy, strength, and protection. She celebrated His salvation, acknowledging that her victory and honor came from Him alone.

2. Praise for God’s Character

Hannah exalted God’s unique and incomparable nature. She proclaimed His holiness, declaring that no one is like Him. She recognized Him as a secure refuge, the all-knowing one who weighs every action and judges with perfect wisdom.

3. Praise for God’s Mighty Works

Hannah marvelled at God's sovereign power over life and destiny. She acknowledged that He alone has authority over life and death, raising people from the depths of despair. He gives and takes away wealth, humbles the proud, and lifts up the lowly.

She also declared that:

• God exalts the humble and seats them among rulers.
• He lifts the poor from the dust and gives them honor.
• The foundations of the earth belong to Him, and He upholds the world.
• He protects His faithful ones.
• He strengthens His chosen king and empowers His anointed servant.

4. Praise for God’s Justice

Hannah proclaimed God’s power over the fate of the wicked. She declared that arrogance will be silenced, warriors will fall, and those who once had plenty will hunger. Even a mother of many children may grow weak, while God strengthens the weary. The wicked will be cast into darkness, for no one can stand against the Lord.

Hannah’s song is a timeless declaration of God's sovereignty, justice, and mercy. It reminds us that He lifts the humble, brings down the proud, and reigns with unmatched power and righteousness.

5. The Righteous:

They praised Him for His deeds. They will receive visions, be satisfied, and gain strength. Meditating on God's attributes and remembering His blessings—Hannah praised Him for His grace. While prayer is often associated with physical needs, her praise transcended into the spiritual realm. At times, our hearts may carry many prayers, but we may not be able to express them all. The same applies to praise; we cannot always offer it all at once, as Hannah did.

No matter what stands against us, God is able to remove it. The greatest void in Hannah's life was her inability to bear children. Because of this, she:

1. Wept,
2. Wept bitterly,
3. Was deeply distressed and sorrowful,
4. Poured out her heart in prayer before the Lord.

She laid her burdens before God with complete surrender.

To be prepared for the second coming, we must pray even more fervently than Hannah did.

Characteristics of Hannah's Prayer:

Hannah’s prayer was not only related to her physical needs but also a deep spiritual praise. The prayers we offer prepare us for heaven.

1. Hannah remained in God’s presence – She sought His presence and remained in it.
2. Hannah did not keep her heart empty – Likewise, we must not leave our hearts empty.
3. Fulfillment of needs – When we pray, our needs are met. Abiding in God’s presence means pouring out our hearts before Him in daily prayer. For example, as it is written, "A broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise." Similarly, Hannah’s heartfelt prayer made her beloved by God.
4. Hannah’s silent prayer – Though her lips moved, her heart was pouring out before the Lord. Her prayer was not heard by Eli, but it was heard by God.

2. Description of God's Attributes:

After her prayer was answered, Hannah praised God by declaring His divine attributes:

• He is holy
• There is no other God like Him
• He is our refuge and stronghold
• He is infinite in wisdom
• He is the righteous judge

Hannah could have accused God of partiality, as Peninnah had children while she remained barren. However, she did not. If God were partial, He would not be holy. It was just for God to allow her barrenness. A good father never does anything unjust.

Peter, before experiencing God fully, assumed He was partial. But after his encounter, he boldly declared that God does not show favouritism. Likewise, after Hannah’s experience, she proclaimed God’s holiness. She intellectually understood it before, but only when it became real in her heart did she truly grasp it. True understanding comes when knowledge moves from the mind to the heart, shaping our experiences.

 

Refuge and Stronghold

When Hannah was distressed, she went to the temple and sought refuge in God. As a result, she found joy. Seeking God's refuge not only brought her peace but also led to a blessing. Because of this experience, she declared that there is no stronghold like the Lord. Only through experience can we truly recognize the power and value of God's Word. For David, the Lord was a fortress and a stronghold—external places of refuge. But for Hannah, God Himself was her refuge within her heart.

The All-Knowing God

God, in His infinite wisdom, initially withheld children from Hannah. It was His divine plan to give them later. He alone knows when and how to act. A father's actions are always guided by wisdom.

If Hannah had received children earlier, she might not have prayed as fervently. Without such deep prayer, Samuel might not have become such a devoted servant of God. We must trust our Father in two ways:

1. By appreciating the work He has already done in our lives.
2. By trusting the work He has yet to do.

The Righteous Judge

Peninnah, who was at home with Hannah, mocked and taunted her. Yet God heard every word. He judged righteously and brought justice, ultimately blessing Hannah. The Lord examines all actions, and nothing is hidden from His all-seeing eyes.

The Almighty God

Satan tempts people into sin, often leading to poverty. Yet, instead of blaming the enemy, Hannah declared in Scripture that it is the Lord who gives both wealth and poverty. This truth is a lesson not only for Satan but also for us, reminding us to stand firm in faith.

While sin can result in poverty, it is not the only cause. Negligence, ignorance, and lack of effort can also bring financial hardship. However, whether poverty comes through our actions or the enemy’s schemes, nothing happens without God’s permission.

Even Christ Himself experienced poverty. Though sinless, He bore its consequences for our sake. Because of sin, we were made poor—but He became poor so that we might become rich. This is the mystery of His glory.

Regardless of circumstances—poverty, hardship, or famine—a believer must always praise the Lord. This is an honourable and faith-filled response. God grants health to some and allows sickness in others. He gives wisdom to some and withholds it from others. Questioning “Why does He do this?” is human ignorance. Only God knows His divine plan.

Human wisdom cannot grasp divine wisdom. Just as the knowledge of an unbeliever seems foolish compared to that of a believer, even a believer’s wisdom is nothing before God. Only true faith allows one to understand the depths of His wisdom.

God’s Sovereign Plan

To make us rich in His thousand-year reign and in eternity, Christ lived in poverty for 33% of His life on earth. In the spiritual life, poverty exists as well, often leading to hardship. Yet, the same God who humbles also lifts up.

Why does He bring low? So that He may raise up. Even humbling is an act of His love. To humble means to bring down those who stand firm in their own strength. Though this may not be outwardly visible, a believer recognizes the hidden good in it. A believer’s wisdom comes from the Father. When God humbles a person, He does so with the intent to restore and exalt them in due time.

Scripture is filled with divine promises that the Holy Spirit brings to our remembrance. The Word speaks about humanity and its struggles. Though Jesus was called King from the day of His birth, He never reigned on earth. Yet, in the coming thousand-year kingdom, He will rule. Even now, throughout human history, He remains the Almighty God, sovereign over all.

Prayer: Loving Father, You are holy. Bring this truth into our experience. Lord, You are our refuge, the all-knowing God, the righteous Judge, and the Almighty King. Let these truths become real in our lives. Nothing is hidden from You—help us to live in reverent fear and do Your work faithfully. Prepare us quickly for Your coming. Lead us into a life of praise, like Hannah. We ask this in the name of our soon-coming Lord Jesus. Amen. 

Hannah experienced God’s attributes personally, leading her to praise Him for His divine qualities.

At first, Hannah could have considered God partial—Peninnah had children, while she remained barren. However, if God were truly partial, He would not be holy. Hannah’s praise was similar to Mary’s (Luke 1:49-55). True believers often express their worship in a similar manner. God’s will for both Peninnah and Hannah was perfect in His sight. Similar experiences are seen in the lives of Paul and Peter. For example, Peter was initially surprised that Gentiles received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. Yet, through experience, he realized that God does not show favouritism and grants His gifts equally to all. Peter's joy came when he understood this truth first-hand. Likewise, Hannah’s joy was not merely in receiving a son but in trusting God. Her true comfort came when she sought refuge in Him, which is why she could call Him her Rock of Refuge.

God is omniscient. His works may not always appear wise at first, but in time, His divine wisdom is revealed. Hannah came to understand that God’s delay in granting her a child was part of His perfect plan. All of God’s creation reflects His wisdom. Just as He did not create man first but prepared everything necessary for him beforehand, His works are always intentional and purposeful.

God first chose the Jews, instructing them in His commandments. Once they became obedient, He extended His invitation to the Gentiles, uniting them both in His divine plan. He intentionally used those who were once rejected to bring others closer to Him. The temporary rejection of some among the Jews was not without purpose—it was part of His greater design to include the Gentiles.

In the same way, God’s plan for Hannah was filled with divine wisdom. He allowed her to remain childless for a time, leading her into deep prayer and dependence on Him. Then, at the right moment, He blessed her with a child. Both His withholding and His giving were acts of His infinite wisdom.

In times of difficulty, God’s decision to delay relief is as intentional as His decision to provide it. His ways are beyond human understanding, yet always perfect. He is the All-Knowing, Eternal, and Holy One, orchestrating everything with divine purpose.

Divine Refinement and Wisdom

Consider a carpenter shaping a rough piece of wood—he chisels, carves, and polishes it to create a beautiful masterpiece. Though the wood undergoes discomfort, the end result is a transformed, refined creation. Similarly, God's work in our lives may seem difficult at times, yet it is always directed toward a greater purpose.

Imagine a teacher explaining to students that the Earth is round. A student might refuse to believe it until he witnesses a ship disappearing over the horizon at the seashore. In the same way, spiritual truths often become clear only through personal experience.

Hannah came to understand that God is the ultimate Judge and Examiner of all actions. She recognized that He observed those who tormented her and granted justice in His perfect time. Acknowledging God's wisdom in all circumstances brings peace and joy to our hearts.

God’s timing is perfect—He comes exactly when He intends to. Just as a goldsmith refines gold in fire, so too does the Lord refine His people, making them ready for His purpose. Those who prepare themselves will experience His glory and grace when He returns.

May we be found ready and worthy of His mercy. Amen.