Songs of the Bible: Hannah’s Prayer

Hannah’s Prayer – 1 Samuel 2:1–10

Literary Structure

vv. 1–5 – Praise of the raising up of horn
vv. 6–10 – Praise of the exaltation of horn

“Horn” – symbol of strength

The prayer begins as a triumph over enemies.

• God has delivered her by giving her a son.
  
• The “enemies” could be those who mock her barrenness.

v.2

Only God could have done this for Hannah.

• Rock – Strength

v.3

God is all-knowing and sees Hannah’s oppressors.

• This is part of her victory.
  
• The prideful are triumphed over because of God’s deliverance given to Hannah.

vv.4–5

Three examples of reversals given by God.

• warrior
• worker
• mother

Those in lowly positions were exalted.
The exalted were brought low.

This is reversed to put the exalted position (Hannah) first. Hannah was barren.

• “Seven” – complete

vv.6–8

God is sovereign over all.

• wealth
• status
• exaltation

vv.9–10

God will protect those who are faithful.

• Judgment will come.

Future King is prophesied.

• strength of anointed
• narratives of Saul, David

Summary

This prayer launches themes captured in the rest of the book:

• Pride
• humble / exaltation
• anointing
• sovereignty