1 Samuel 1:10

Letters to the Faithful - 1 Samuel 1:10

Berean Standard Bible

In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears.

King James Bible

And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.

Hebrew Text:

וְהִ֖יא מָ֣רַת נָ֑פֶשׁ וַתִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל עַל־יְהוָ֖ה וּבָכֹ֥ה תִבְכֶּֽה׃

Transliteration:

V'hi marat nefesh vattitpallel al-Adonai u'vacho tivkeh.

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In her bitter distress

Hannah's distress is rooted in her barrenness, a significant source of shame and sorrow in ancient Israelite culture. Childlessness was often seen as a divine judgment or curse, adding to her emotional turmoil. Her distress is compounded by the taunting of Peninnah, her husband's other wife, who had children. This reflects the polygamous practices of the time, which often led to familial strife, as seen in other biblical accounts like Jacob, Leah, and Rachel.

Hannah prayed to the LORD

Hannah's response to her distress is to turn to prayer, demonstrating her faith and reliance on God. This act of prayer is significant, as it shows her belief in God's power to change her situation. The LORD, or Yahweh, is the covenant name of God, emphasizing a personal relationship. Her prayer is a model of earnest supplication, similar to other biblical figures who sought God's intervention, such as David in the Psalms.

and wept with many tears

Her weeping indicates the depth of her sorrow and the sincerity of her prayer. Tears in the Bible often accompany heartfelt prayer and repentance, as seen in the stories of Hezekiah and Peter. This emotional expression underscores the human experience of suffering and the biblical encouragement to bring such burdens before God. Hannah's tears also foreshadow the eventual joy and fulfillment she will experience, paralleling the biblical theme of mourning turning into joy.

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1 Samuel 1:10, which in the New International Version reads, “In her deep anguish Hannah prayed to the Lord, weeping bitterly,” is a poignant verse that captures a moment of profound emotional and spiritual intensity in the narrative of Hannah, a woman whose story marks the beginning of the book of 1 Samuel. This verse occurs within the account of Hannah’s struggle with barrenness and her heartfelt prayer at the tabernacle in Shiloh, setting the stage for the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel’s history. To fully appreciate the depth of this verse, we must explore its narrative context, historical and cultural background, theological significance, and enduring relevance, as it reveals the intersection of personal pain, fervent prayer, and God’s redemptive work.

The book of 1 Samuel opens during the period of the judges, a time of spiritual and social instability in Israel, where “everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). The narrative introduces Hannah as one of the two wives of Elkanah, a devout man from the tribe of Ephraim who annually visits the tabernacle at Shiloh to offer sacrifices (1 Samuel 1:1–3). Hannah is childless, a source of deep shame and sorrow in her cultural context, and her situation is exacerbated by the provocations of Peninnah, Elkanah’s other wife, who has children (1 Samuel 1:6–7). Despite Elkanah’s love and provision for her (1 Samuel 1:5, 8), Hannah’s barrenness leaves her in a state of emotional distress. In 1 Samuel 1:9–10, Hannah rises after a meal at Shiloh and goes to the tabernacle to pray, where verse 10 describes her as being in “deep anguish” and “weeping bitterly” as she prays to the Lord. This moment is a turning point, as her prayer leads to the birth of Samuel, who will become a prophet, priest, and judge, guiding Israel through a critical transition to the monarchy.

Narratively, 1 Samuel 1:10 serves as the emotional and spiritual climax of Hannah’s story thus far, revealing her character and faith. The phrase “in her deep anguish” (Hebrew: marat nefesh, literally “bitterness of soul”) conveys the intensity of her suffering, a combination of personal longing, social stigma, and relational tension with Peninnah. Her “weeping bitterly” underscores the raw, unfiltered nature of her grief, as she brings her pain directly to God. Unlike the surrounding verses, where her distress is described indirectly (e.g., 1 Samuel 1:6–7), this verse places the reader inside Hannah’s heart, emphasizing her vulnerability and authenticity. Her decision to pray at the tabernacle, rather than withdrawing in despair or seeking human solutions, highlights her faith and initiative. The narrative progression from this verse to her vow in 1 Samuel 1:11—where she promises to dedicate her son to God if He grants her a child—shows that her anguish fuels a purposeful, covenantal prayer, setting the stage for God’s intervention.

Culturally and historically, Hannah’s barrenness and her response must be understood within the ancient Near Eastern context. In ancient Israel, a woman’s value was often tied to her ability to bear children, particularly sons, who would carry on the family name and inheritance (e.g., Genesis 30:1–2). Barrenness was not only a personal tragedy but also a social stigma, often interpreted as a sign of divine disfavor (e.g., Genesis 16:2). Hannah’s situation is further complicated by her polygamous household, where Peninnah’s fertility intensifies Hannah’s sense of inadequacy (1 Samuel 1:6). Her decision to pray at Shiloh, the religious center where the ark of the covenant resided (1 Samuel 1:3), reflects her piety and her understanding of God as the ultimate source of life and blessing. In the ancient Near East, women rarely approached sacred spaces independently, making Hannah’s action bold and significant. Her “weeping bitterly” would have been a public expression of grief, potentially drawing attention in a culture where emotional restraint was often valued, yet it underscores her desperation and trust in God’s power to act.

Theologically, 1 Samuel 1:10 is rich with meaning. First, it highlights the power of prayer as a response to suffering. Hannah’s decision to turn to God in her anguish reflects a theology of dependence, recognizing Him as sovereign over life and capable of reversing her circumstances. Her prayer is not a casual request but a fervent, tear-filled plea, demonstrating that God welcomes raw, honest expressions of human need. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God hearing the cries of the afflicted (e.g., Exodus 3:7; Psalm 34:17). Second, the verse foreshadows God’s providence and redemptive purposes. Hannah’s personal pain is woven into the larger story of Israel’s salvation history, as her son Samuel will play a key role in God’s plan to lead His people. This underscores the biblical motif that God often works through the marginalized and brokenhearted to accomplish His purposes (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:27–29). Third, Hannah’s story parallels other barren women in Scripture—Sarah (Genesis 18:9–15), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), and Rachel (Genesis 30:22–24)—whose answered prayers signal God’s faithfulness to His covenant promises. Hannah’s anguish and prayer thus become a microcosm of Israel’s own longing for divine intervention during a time of spiritual barrenness.

The verse also carries a subtle critique of the religious status quo. The tabernacle at Shiloh, while a center of worship, is led by Eli and his corrupt sons, whose failures as priests are later revealed (1 Samuel 2:12–17). Hannah’s direct approach to God, rather than relying on the priests, suggests a personal faith that transcends institutional shortcomings. Her prayer in 1 Samuel 1:11, which follows this verse, includes a vow to dedicate her son as a Nazirite, indicating her understanding of covenantal commitment and her willingness to surrender her deepest desire to God’s service. This act of faith contrasts with the spiritual apathy of the time, positioning Hannah as a model of devotion.

For contemporary readers, 1 Samuel 1:10 offers profound insights into suffering, prayer, and God’s responsiveness. Hannah’s “deep anguish” resonates with anyone who has faced unmet longing, whether for children, healing, or another deeply felt need. Her example challenges modern tendencies to suppress or privatize pain, encouraging honest vulnerability before God. The image of Hannah weeping and praying invites believers to bring their raw emotions to God, trusting that He hears and cares (Psalm 56:8). Her story also speaks to the power of persistent prayer, as her eventual answered prayer (1 Samuel 1:20) demonstrates that God is not indifferent to human suffering. For those in seasons of waiting or grief, Hannah’s faith offers hope that God can work through pain to bring about His purposes, even when the outcome is not immediate or expected.

Furthermore, Hannah’s story highlights the dignity and agency of women in God’s plan. In a patriarchal society, her initiative in approaching God directly and making a vow underscores that faith and devotion are not limited by gender or social status. This resonates with contemporary discussions of inclusion and the value of every individual’s contribution to God’s work. Theologically, Hannah’s prayer points to the broader narrative of redemption, as her son Samuel becomes a bridge to the monarchy and, ultimately, to the messianic line of David (1 Chronicles 6:16–28; Matthew 1:1). For Christian readers, this connects Hannah’s personal story to the larger arc of salvation history, where God uses human weakness to display His strength.

The verse also invites reflection on the interplay of personal and communal salvation. While Hannah’s prayer is deeply personal, its outcome—Samuel’s birth and leadership—has national implications, shaping Israel’s future. This reminds readers that individual struggles and prayers can have far-reaching impact, as God weaves personal stories into His larger redemptive plan. Hannah’s willingness to dedicate her son to God (1 Samuel 1:11) also challenges contemporary believers to consider how their blessings and answered prayers can be offered back to God for His purposes.

In conclusion, 1 Samuel 1:10 is a powerful verse that captures Hannah’s raw anguish and fervent faith, setting the stage for God’s redemptive work in her life and in Israel’s history. Its narrative role highlights her character and devotion, while its cultural context underscores the boldness of her actions. Theologically, it affirms God’s attentiveness to human suffering, His sovereignty over life, and His ability to work through the marginalized. For contemporary readers, Hannah’s story offers hope in seasons of pain, encouragement to pray boldly, and a reminder that God’s plans often unfold through the faithful actions of ordinary individuals. As a window into the intersection of personal faith and divine providence, 1 Samuel 1:10 invites readers to trust God’s faithfulness, even in the depths of anguish, and to participate in His redemptive purposes.

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Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, today we gather around a moment of raw, unvarnished humanity captured in the living Word of God. A single verse—so simple, so familiar perhaps—but one that opens the door to the heart of a woman whose pain became the seedbed of purpose. It is written of Hannah: “She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly.” In these few words, we see what it is to carry burdens too heavy for human strength alone; we see what it is to bring them to the only One who can truly bear them.

Hannah’s story is not obscure. She was one of two wives in the household of Elkanah, and though her husband loved her deeply, her womb remained closed. Year after year, she endured the grief of barrenness—a grief magnified by the taunts of her rival and the expectations of her culture. In those days, a woman’s worth was often measured by her ability to bear children, and so her barrenness was not only personal sorrow but public shame. The Scripture says that her rival “used to provoke her grievously to irritate her.” We can only imagine the depth of her humiliation and sorrow.

Yet here, in verse 10, we see her response: not bitterness against others, not self-pity or resignation, but a heart poured out before the Lord. She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. O Church, how much we can learn from this posture. In our modern age, we are often taught to mask our pain, to distract ourselves, to manage grief through technique and self-reliance. But here is a higher way—a holy way: to bring our anguish into the presence of the living God.

Notice this: Hannah did not sanitize her emotions before she prayed. She did not wait until she could compose an eloquent prayer or until her feelings aligned with the appearance of faith. She came as she was—in bitter weeping and deep distress. And this is the privilege of the children of God: we are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace, not in pretense, but in truth. The Lord does not despise our tears; He gathers them. He does not demand that we suppress our sorrow; He calls us to entrust it to Him.

Too often we imagine that faith means the absence of struggle. We think a truly mature believer must always appear joyful, always composed. But the story of Hannah teaches us that faith is not the absence of distress; it is the presence of trust within distress. Her bitter weeping was not a sign of unbelief but of a heart that refused to give up on God. She wept, yes—but she wept before the Lord. She poured out her soul in His presence, believing that He alone could answer.

And so it must be with us. There is no shame in sorrow brought to God. There is no weakness in tears shed at the altar of His mercy. To pray in pain is not to fail in faith; it is to enact faith. The psalmist himself declares: “Those who sow in tears shall reap with shouts of joy.” O Church, do not withhold your sorrow from the One who can redeem it. Bring your bitterness to His throne. Weep before Him, for He is a God who hears.

Consider also that Hannah’s prayer was not a fleeting moment, but an act of perseverance. The Scripture tells us that year after year she went up to the house of the Lord. She was not deterred by unanswered prayers of the past. She was not dissuaded by the seeming silence of heaven. She came again, and again, and again—until the day of breakthrough.

How often we grow weary in prayer. How easily discouragement tempts us to give up after one season of asking. But the Word of God calls us to steadfastness. Jesus Himself taught us to pray and not lose heart. Remember the persistent widow who kept coming to the unjust judge. How much more should we persevere before a righteous and loving God!

Hannah’s story also reminds us that our prayers are often caught up in a purpose far greater than we can imagine. She prayed for a son, but God was preparing a prophet—a voice that would anoint kings and shape the destiny of Israel. Her private agony became the soil of public blessing. And so it is with us: the burdens we bring to the Lord are often the very things He will use to fulfill His purposes—not only for us, but for many. Your weeping may water seeds of destiny. Your prayer in the secret place may birth a work that impacts generations.

But let us not rush to the outcome and forget the lesson of the posture. Before the miracle, there was the pouring out. Before the answered prayer, there was the bitter weeping. And here lies the call to us all: to become a people who pray as Hannah prayed. A people unafraid to bring their full selves—pain, longing, weakness—to the Lord. A people who persevere in prayer even when the answer tarries. A people who trust that their tears are not wasted in the presence of God.

Practically, this means we must cultivate a life of honest prayer. Set aside time to come before the Lord without pretense. Speak to Him as Hannah did, with the language of your heart, not merely the formulas of your mind. When grief comes, let it drive you to God, not from Him. When longing aches within you, pour it out in His presence. Teach your children, your friends, your church family that true faith is not stoic detachment, but fervent, living trust in a God who hears.

It also means we must encourage one another to persevere. The body of Christ is called to bear one another’s burdens—not to rush each other toward resolution, but to walk together in hope. When you see a brother or sister in distress, remind them that the Lord receives their tears. Encourage them to pray, and to keep praying.

And finally, trust that the God who met Hannah will meet you. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He sees your sorrow. He hears your prayer. And though the answer may not come in the way or timing you expect, His purposes are sure. What is sown in tears will, in His perfect time, be reaped in joy.

So let us take heart, beloved. Let us learn from Hannah’s example. Let us bring our distress to the Lord. Let us pray through our tears. And let us trust that the God who hears will answer, to the praise of His glory and the good of His people.

Amen.

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Almighty and compassionate God, Father of mercies and Lord of all comfort, we come before You today, as Your people, drawn by the example of Hannah, whose story You have preserved in Your holy Word to instruct us, to encourage us, and to awaken us to the depths of prayer. We remember her anguish, her longing, her bitter weeping—and her faith that pressed through despair to lay hold of You. And so we come, O Lord, in the same spirit—not with pretended strength, but with honesty and need, knowing that You are a God who hears the cries of the distressed.

You are not a God far off, indifferent to the burdens of Your people. You are the One who bends low to listen, who bottles every tear, who remembers the prayers spoken in secret places. You are the One who meets us not only in the heights of praise, but in the valleys of sorrow. You have declared that a broken and contrite heart You will not despise. And so we bring to You this day our brokenness, our longings, our burdens that no one else can carry.

Lord, we confess that we often hide our distress. We wear smiles before others while our hearts groan within. We busy ourselves with distractions instead of falling before You. We forget that prayer is not reserved for the moments when words come easily, but is most needed when tears fall freely. Teach us, O God, to pray as Hannah prayed. Give us the courage to bring our whole selves before You—not only our joys, but our sorrows; not only our victories, but our wounds.

We pray today for those in deep distress among us. For the barren who long for life, for the lonely who long for love, for the sick who long for healing, for the weary who long for rest, for the grieving who long for comfort—O Lord, draw near. As You drew near to Hannah in the bitterness of her weeping, draw near to every soul that cries out to You. Let them know that they are not abandoned. Let them know that You are attentive to their cry.

Holy Spirit, teach us to pray with perseverance. Hannah prayed not once, but year after year, pressing on when the answer did not come, believing that You are faithful even when heaven seems silent. May we too be a people who pray and do not lose heart. Teach us to wrestle in prayer, to labor before the throne of grace, to trust that our intercession matters—that every whispered plea, every groan too deep for words is heard and held by You.

O Lord, we know that You are weaving a story far greater than we can see. Hannah prayed for a son, and You gave her a prophet. So we dare to believe that the prayers we pray today—prayers born in the furnace of longing—may bear fruit beyond our imagination. Let our cries become the seeds of Your kingdom. Let our weeping water the soil of Your purposes. Let our anguish be caught up in Your eternal plan for good.

And for those of us who walk with others in their distress, grant compassion. Teach us not to offer empty words or easy answers, but to weep with those who weep, and to pray with those who pray. Make us a community of honesty and hope—a people who bear one another’s burdens and point each other continually to the One who is mighty to save.

Finally, O God, anchor our hope in Christ Jesus, our great High Priest, who Himself wept bitterly in the garden, who knows the depths of human anguish, and who intercedes for us even now at Your right hand. Because He lives, we know that our prayers are not in vain. Because He suffered, we know that our sorrows are not without purpose. Because He rose, we know that joy will come in the morning.

So we lift our eyes to You, the God who hears. We bring our bitter tears to Your feet. We entrust our longings to Your wisdom and Your love. And we wait in hope—believing that You who heard Hannah’s cry will surely hear ours as well. All this we pray in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.