Memory Verse: And the LORD said to Samuel, Behold, I will do a thing in Israel, at which both the ears of every one that heareth it shall tingle. I Samuel 3:11 KJV

In the verses of I Samuel 1-3, we witness the testimony of a woman in touch with God. We meet Hannah who was grieved in her spirit because she was barren. She was also mocked for being childless among a people who judged the worth of a woman partly by her gift of children and of sons in particular. Without bearing sons, some women have been even cast from families or “replaced” by other wives. This is not condoned under the banner of Christ. Hannah was spared a worse fate because Elkanah loved her most (I Samuel 1:5).

Hannah wept and prayed earnestly (I Samuel 1:10). She appeared to be speaking, but no sound came from her mouth. She must have appeared to be drunken as the priest Eli questions her behavior (I Samuel 1:14).

15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.

Before Eli noticed her, Hannah made a promise to God as she prayed.

And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. I Samuel 1:11 KJV

God gave confirmation through Eli that He would indeed perform all that Hannah had asked in prayer.

17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

Hannah did give her son Samuel to the service of the Lord. In turn, God accepted her Samuel into the heritage of Levites. Samuel was raised by the Priest Eli, learning to serve God every day. God began speaking to Samuel directly at a young age (I Samuel 3:10).

27 For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him: 28 Therefore also I have lent him to the LORD; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the LORD. And he worshipped the LORD there. I Samuel 1:27-28 KJV