1 Samuel 1:5

Letters to the Faithful - 1 Samuel 1:5

Berean Standard Bible

But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb.

King James Bible

But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.

Hebrew Text:

וּלְחַנָּ֕ה יִתֵּ֛ן מָנָ֥ה אַחַ֖ת אַפָּ֑יִם כִּ֤י אֶת־חַנָּה֙ אָהֵ֔ב וַֽיהוָ֖ה סָגַ֥ר רַחְמָֽהּ׃

Transliteration:

U'le-Channah yitten manah achat appayim, ki et-Channah ahev, va'Adonai sagar rachmah.

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But to Hannah he would give a double portion

In the context of ancient Israel, giving a double portion was a sign of special favor and honor. Elkanah's act of giving Hannah a double portion demonstrates his deep affection and preference for her, despite her barrenness. This gesture is significant in a culture where a woman's worth was often measured by her ability to bear children. The double portion can be seen as a symbol of Elkanah's love and an attempt to comfort Hannah in her distress. This act also foreshadows the future blessing and favor that God would bestow upon Hannah.

for he loved her

Elkanah's love for Hannah is emphasized here, highlighting the personal and emotional dynamics within the family. This love is significant because it contrasts with the cultural norm where a woman's value was often tied to her fertility. Elkanah's love for Hannah, despite her inability to bear children, reflects a deeper, unconditional love. This mirrors the love God has for His people, which is not based on their productivity or status but on His covenantal commitment.

even though the LORD had closed her womb

The phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty over the circumstances of Hannah's life. In the biblical narrative, barrenness is often portrayed as a temporary state that God can change, as seen in the stories of Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel. This phrase sets the stage for the miraculous birth of Samuel, emphasizing that God has a purpose and timing for everything. It also highlights a theme of divine intervention and the reversal of fortunes, which is prevalent throughout Scripture. The closing of Hannah's womb can be seen as a test of faith, leading to a greater demonstration of God's power and faithfulness.

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1 Samuel 1:5, which reads in the NIV, “But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the LORD had closed her womb,” is a verse rich with emotional, cultural, and theological significance, encapsulating the complex dynamics of human relationships, divine sovereignty, and the cultural context of ancient Israel. To fully understand this verse, we must explore its place within the narrative of 1 Samuel, the characters involved, the cultural practices it reflects, and the theological implications of God’s role in Hannah’s barrenness. This verse, though brief, sets the stage for the profound story of Hannah’s faith, God’s intervention, and the birth of Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets.

The verse occurs within the opening chapter of 1 Samuel, which introduces the family of Elkanah, a Levite from the hill country of Ephraim, who has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. The narrative focuses on the annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, where Elkanah’s family goes to worship and offer sacrifices at the sanctuary of the Lord. This context is critical, as it situates the story in a time of religious and moral decline in Israel, during the late period of the judges, when “everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). The verse’s focus on Hannah, Elkanah’s beloved but barren wife, and the actions of her husband highlight both personal and spiritual tensions that will drive the narrative forward.

The phrase “to Hannah he gave a double portion” refers to Elkanah’s distribution of sacrificial portions during the family’s worship at Shiloh. In ancient Israel, communal meals following sacrifices were significant acts of fellowship and thanksgiving, with portions of the sacrificed animal distributed among family members (Deuteronomy 12:17–18). The “double portion” (Hebrew: ’appayim, literally “two faces” or “a double amount”) suggests that Elkanah gave Hannah a particularly generous share, possibly equivalent to what would be given to two people or a portion of special honor. This act stands out in a polygamous household where favoritism could exacerbate tensions, as seen in Peninnah’s provocation of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:6). Elkanah’s decision to give Hannah a double portion reflects his deep affection for her, as the text explicitly states, “because he loved her.” This detail humanizes Elkanah, portraying him as a compassionate husband who seeks to comfort Hannah in her distress, even if his actions cannot fully alleviate her pain.

The cultural context of polygamy in ancient Israel is essential for understanding the dynamics at play. While polygamy was practiced, it often led to rivalry and emotional strain, as seen in earlier biblical narratives like Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16) or Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29–30). Hannah’s barrenness, contrasted with Peninnah’s fertility, places her in a vulnerable position, as childlessness in ancient Near Eastern culture was often seen as a source of shame and a sign of divine disfavor. Elkanah’s love for Hannah and his gesture of giving her a double portion can be seen as an attempt to affirm her worth and status within the family, countering the cultural stigma she faced. However, the text also hints at the limitations of human efforts to address deep-seated pain, as Elkanah’s love and generosity cannot fully assuage Hannah’s longing for a child, nor do they shield her from Peninnah’s taunts.

The latter part of the verse, “and the LORD had closed her womb,” introduces a profound theological dimension. In biblical thought, fertility and barrenness were often attributed to divine action (Genesis 20:18; 30:2). The statement that the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb is not merely a biological observation but a theological assertion of God’s sovereignty over life. This phrase sets up the tension that drives the narrative: Hannah’s suffering is not random but under God’s control, yet it is also the source of her anguish. The text does not explain why God closed her womb, but this detail underscores the biblical theme that God works through human weakness and suffering to accomplish His purposes. Hannah’s barrenness, like that of Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel before her, becomes a backdrop for divine intervention, as God will eventually open her womb in response to her faith and prayer (1 Samuel 1:19–20).

The juxtaposition of Elkanah’s love and God’s sovereignty in this verse creates a poignant contrast. Elkanah’s human love, expressed through the double portion, is genuine but limited in its ability to resolve Hannah’s deepest pain. In contrast, God’s sovereign act of closing her womb, while initially a source of suffering, sets the stage for a miraculous demonstration of His power and grace. This tension reflects a broader biblical theme: human efforts, while meaningful, are ultimately insufficient without divine action. Hannah’s story will unfold as a testament to the power of prayer and trust in God, as her eventual conception of Samuel points to God’s ability to bring life out of barrenness and hope out of despair.

Theologically, the verse invites reflection on the mystery of divine providence. The statement that the Lord closed Hannah’s womb raises questions about why God allows suffering, particularly for those who are faithful. While the text does not provide a direct answer, the broader narrative suggests that God’s purposes are often hidden and unfold over time. Hannah’s barrenness, though painful, becomes the catalyst for her fervent prayer and vow (1 Samuel 1:10–11), which lead to the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel’s history who will anoint its first kings and guide the nation through a critical transition. This perspective aligns with the biblical pattern where God uses periods of waiting and trial to prepare His people for greater purposes (e.g., Joseph in Genesis 37–50; Israel in the wilderness).

In the broader canonical context, 1 Samuel 1:5 resonates with New Testament themes of God’s sovereignty and grace in human weakness. Hannah’s faith and eventual deliverance prefigure the experiences of figures like Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, whose barrenness was also reversed by God’s intervention (Luke 1:5–25). The verse also points to the sufficiency of God’s grace, as Paul later articulates, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Hannah’s story, beginning with the pain and love captured in this verse, becomes a powerful testimony to God’s ability to transform suffering into blessing.

In conclusion, 1 Samuel 1:5 is a compact yet profound verse that encapsulates the emotional, cultural, and theological complexities of Hannah’s story. It portrays Elkanah’s love and compassion, the cultural challenges of barrenness in a polygamous household, and the mysterious sovereignty of God in human affairs. The verse sets the stage for Hannah’s journey from despair to faith, highlighting the interplay between human love and divine purpose. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that God’s closing of Hannah’s womb is not an act of cruelty but part of a larger plan to bring forth Samuel, whose life will shape Israel’s future. This verse, therefore, invites readers to trust in God’s sovereignty, even in moments of pain, and to recognize that His purposes often unfold through the very circumstances that seem most hopeless.

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Grace and peace to you, beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus our Lord.

As I reflect upon the living and enduring Word of God, my heart is stirred to write to you concerning a truth found in the story of Hannah, recorded in the first chapter of the book of Samuel. The verse I would bring to your attention today is this: *“But to Hannah he gave a double portion because he loved her, and the Lord had closed her womb”* (1 Samuel 1:5).

Here we encounter a scene charged with both tenderness and pain. Elkanah, a husband who dearly loved his wife Hannah, gave her a special portion at the sacrificial meal, an outward sign of his affection and esteem. Yet, though favored by her husband, Hannah’s heart was burdened with longing and unfulfilled hope—for the Lord had closed her womb.

Beloved, there is a profound mystery here that speaks to us still. Many among you walk in the tension between divine favor and present hardship. You know what it is to be loved and yet unfulfilled; to be chosen and yet waiting; to receive kindness from others while silently carrying the ache of unanswered prayers.

It is vital to grasp that Hannah’s barrenness was not a sign of divine rejection. Scripture says plainly that *“the Lord had closed her womb.”* We must learn to distinguish between the discipline of the Lord and His mysterious providence. Not all trials come to chasten; some come to prepare. Not all delays are denials; some delays are divine appointments, shaping us for what is yet to come.

Hannah’s portion at the table did not erase her sorrow, nor did it fill the emptiness within her. And so it is with many of us. No earthly blessing can satisfy the deepest longings of the soul that is waiting for God’s answer. Yet the double portion is itself a testimony: that we are loved, even as we wait.

You, who are waiting on the Lord—for healing, for reconciliation, for provision, for fruitfulness—know this: His love toward you has not wavered. Though your current season may appear barren, though your prayers seem to return unanswered, the eyes of the Lord are upon you. He sees. He remembers.

Hannah did not cease to pray. Neither must you. Out of her anguish, she poured her soul before the Lord, not with pretense, but with raw honesty. The Lord honored her persistence. In time, He opened her womb, and Samuel—whose name means *“asked of God”*—became a living testimony that God hears and responds.

Take courage, therefore, dear brothers and sisters. There are seasons when the Lord’s love is manifest not in the immediacy of answers but in the sustaining grace that carries us through long waits. The double portion given to Hannah reminds us that God’s favor is upon us even when His timing remains hidden.

Do not let comparison steal your joy. Peninnah, Hannah’s rival, provoked her sorely. There will always be voices—sometimes external, sometimes internal—that seek to magnify your lack and diminish your worth. But your portion comes from the Lord, not from the opinions of others. Rest in His love.

I exhort you: bring your grief to the Lord as Hannah did. We do not serve a God who is indifferent to our tears. The psalmist declares that He *“puts my tears in His bottle”* (Psalm 56:8). Your cries are heard; your waiting is not wasted.

Finally, when the Lord answers—as He surely will, in His perfect wisdom and timing—do not forget to return and give Him praise. Hannah did not cling to the gift; she dedicated Samuel to the Lord. So too, when your prayers are answered, let your thanksgiving be as fervent as your petition. Remember always that the Giver is greater than the gift.

May the peace of Christ guard your hearts as you wait. May the grace of the Holy Spirit strengthen you to persevere. And may the love of the Father be your portion, sufficient for every day, until your joy is made full.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

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Almighty and everlasting God,

Father of mercies and Giver of every good and perfect gift,

We come before You this day with hearts both tender and expectant,

Turning our gaze to You, the One who sees us fully and loves us beyond measure.

Lord, we remember the story of Your servant Hannah,

How though her womb was closed by Your sovereign hand,

Yet her life remained under Your favor,

And her portion was given in love though her longing was not yet fulfilled.

O God, how many among us live in this same place:

Loved yet longing, blessed yet burdened, hopeful yet heavy-hearted.

We bring before You all who wait today—

Those whose prayers have yet to find their answer,

Those who sit in the tension between present barrenness and future promise.

You, Lord, are the Author of all seasons.

You open and You close according to wisdom far beyond our understanding.

You withhold not from cruelty, but from the purposes of a love that refines and prepares.

Help us to trust Your hand even when it closes what we long to see opened.

Grant us grace to receive the double portion You extend in the midst of delay—

A portion not of earthly sufficiency alone, but of Your sustaining love,

A portion of peace when understanding escapes us,

A portion of joy that is not dependent on circumstance,

A portion of assurance that we are seen, known, and beloved.

Lord, teach us to pray as Hannah prayed—

Not with hollow words or shallow performance,

But with the full outpouring of our souls.

Teach us that You are a God who welcomes our tears,

A Father who collects each one,

A King who listens to the cries of His people.

For those today who feel barren in body or in spirit,

For those who wait for children, for healing, for reconciliation, for provision,

For those longing for newness of life and the fruitfulness of their labors,

Let Your Spirit move upon them even now.

Strengthen what is weak, uphold what is weary,

Renew hope where it has flickered low.

Lord, protect our hearts from envy and bitterness.

When others seem to prosper while we wait, guard us from comparison.

Let our eyes be fixed on You,

That we might receive from Your hand with gratitude,

And find joy not only in the promise of the future,

But in the faithful love that surrounds us in the present.

We ask also, O Lord, that when You do answer—

When You open that which was closed, when You restore what was lost,

When You cause rejoicing to spring forth from mourning—

Grant us the grace of remembrance.

Let us return with thanksgiving,

Let us dedicate every answered prayer, every fulfilled hope, back unto You.

May we never cling to the gift more than to the Giver.

And for those whose answers may yet remain hidden this side of eternity,

Grant an even greater portion of Your presence.

For in You we have all, even when some dreams remain unfulfilled.

You are our portion and our inheritance, forever.

So now, unto You, O God—

Who works in the waiting, who holds us in the longing,

Who weaves glory through every season of life—

We lift our voices in trust and surrender.

May Your kingdom come, may Your will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who Himself cried out in the garden and was heard,

And who now ever lives to intercede for us,

To Him be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forever.

Amen.