Monday 25 November 2024
But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman deeply troubled; I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation all this time.” (vs 15-16)
Background
Infertility still causes pain for many people, but Hannah is a woman suffering from infertility in a society when this was even more complicated than today.
At this point in the Bible polygamy was still accepted and Hannah is one of two wives that Elkanah (from the tribe of Ephraim) had. The other was called Peninnah and she had children. There is clearly tension between the two wives, particularly as we are told Hannah is the one whom Elkanah loved. (v. 5)
In the society of the time Hannah was in a precarious position because if her husband died and she was childless, the whole of his inheritance would go to Peninnah’s children. If they decided not to give her anything she would be destitute.
Therefore we have a woman who is suffering the pain of childlessness, the taunts of the other wife and the fear of the future which her infertility also gives.
In the midst of this she goes to pray, in a state of emotion and desperation. The priest in the Temple is Eli. He sees her mouth moving as she says her prayers but becomes convinced she is drunk.
On top of everything else, Hannah has to convince this priest that she has not been drinking but is in a highly emotional state due to her anguish and grief.
To Ponder:
- Do you ever misjudge people who appear to be in an emotional state? Or, do you suspend judgement and try to find out the reason for their behaviour?
- Do you ever find yourself misjudged by others when you are honest about your emotions and deepest feelings in a public space?
Bible notes author: Sally Rush
Sally is a Learning & Development Officer in the Methodist Connexional Team.