Hannah’s peace
Hannah “went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad” (1 Samuel 1:18).
Eli was the High Priest when Hannah lived. He was a tragic failure, and his sons were the most corrupt men. Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 3:4-5 that anyone who did not rule his own house was not to have a responsible role in the house of God. Eli was judged by God for his failure as a father and a priest (1 Samuel 3:12-14). He held the highest spiritual office in the kingdom but totally lacked spiritual discernment. He completely misinterpreted Hannah’s distress. And, in doing so, added to it. Godly behaviour is often misunderstood, even by those who are in a position to know better. It was the Chief Priests and Scribes who led the way in judging and ultimately crucifying the Lord of Glory. We should not be surprised if, in being faithful to the Lord Jesus, criticism and even persecution follow.
Hannah defended herself in a very touching way, explaining that she had “poured out” her soul before the Lord (v. 15). In 1 Peter 5:6-7 we read, “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him; for He cares for you.” Hannah was to learn how true this was, and so can we. The words of Hebrews 4:16 encourage us to “come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” God responds to those who approach Him in simple faith, bringing their needs to the One who not only can meet them, but wants to.
Once Eli understood the real situation, he sent Hannah away in peace. At the end of her prayer, she returned home at peace. She ate and was no longer sad. Hannah is a remarkable Old Testament illustration of what Paul writes in Philippians 4:6:7, “Be anxious for nothing: but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Real prayer leads to real peace. And there is a time to stop praying and leave things in faith with the Lord.
God was going to transform Hannah’s life with the birth of Samuel. But we also have to realise that God may not change our circumstances. Paul prayed three times that God would remove an illness he described as ‘a thorn in the flesh’. The Lord answered his prayer just as clearly as he answered Hannah’s prayer. His answer was, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Hannah was still a childless woman when she left the house of God, but she was no longer sad. She had placed all her need at the Throne of Grace. God was to answer her with a remarkable child. Paul also left his need at the Throne of Grace. He was content that God would not take away his illness but use it to manifest His grace. These are profound lessons. They shape us into the people God wants us to be, and they make us more Christlike. Hannah was at peace and so was Paul because they had been in the presence of the God of peace.
