The Prayers of Hannah

00:00:00 Speaker 1: Previously on the Chosen People. 00:00:05 Speaker 2: Boas is a close relative of my late husband. He is one of our kinsman redeemers. 00:00:11 Speaker 3: So when you say that Boas has shown me favor, what you mean to say is do you think you would marry someone like me. I'm not an Israelite woman. I did not grow up under your laws. 00:00:28 Speaker 2: Perhaps, my daughter, perhaps you have sacrificed so much to stay by my side. Shouldn't I find rest for you so that you will be taken care of. 00:00:38 Speaker 3: I made a pledge. I will never turn my back on you or our God. 00:00:45 Speaker 4: The Lord be with you all. The Lord bless you tonight we celebrate the abundance of his provision. Well done, everyone, well done. 00:00:59 Speaker 3: I've come to ask you to spread the wing of your garment over me, for you are a family redeemer. 00:01:06 Speaker 5: May the Lord bless you, my daughter. 00:01:09 Speaker 6: I'm amazed at your faithfulness. 00:01:11 Speaker 7: I'll go and find the other redeemer. If he wants to redeem you, then that is good. But if he doesn't want to redeem you, as the Lord lives, I will. I will gladly redeem. 00:01:24 Speaker 3: You are my family's kinsman redeemer. I have also come to admire you as a man of valor. 00:01:32 Speaker 1: And integrity, Ruth believed that Boaz would not rest until they had an answer. Their patience was finally rewarded when they heard hurried footsteps on the path to their stone farmhouse in the late afternoon. She reached the door and opened it slowly. 00:01:51 Speaker 8: I love you as my old son, honor you as my partner, and protect you as my bride. 00:02:03 Speaker 1: The dusty streets of Rama glowed with a soft light that danced across the swaying grass. Birds perched in the sycamore trees that lined the fields filled the dawn air with tranquil songs, but the melody did little to lift the heaviness that weighed upon Hannah's weary heart. She clung to her knees as she knelt over the fire, stirring a large pot of lentils. Each turn of the spoon was a subtle reminder of whose bellies would be filled by the meal. From inside. The voices of Panina and her children carried through the open door. Panina's proud face emerged to greet Hannah. 00:02:47 Speaker 2: Oh, from the smell, your cooking has gotten better, but it seems there are still no little ones in your house to enjoy it, Hannah. Perhaps it isn't your season. Maybe the Lord will remember you next, if he chooses to remember you at all. 00:03:03 Speaker 1: Hannah did her best to ignore the comment, though it sliced through her heart with a coldness that matched the morning chill. The children's innocent laughter was a stark contrast to their mother's cutting remarks. Hannah's shoulders tensed around her neck subconsciously in defense. Years of torment had conditioned the frail wife. 00:03:26 Speaker 2: You know, I only joke, my. 00:03:28 Speaker 1: Dear Panina let out a laugh that feigned innocence as she turned on her heels back into her bountiful home. Elcana emerged through the threshold. 00:03:39 Speaker 9: Good evening, Panina. I'm sorry to interrupt, but I believe one of the boys has found himself in some trouble. 00:03:48 Speaker 1: Panina ran her hand along Elcano's shoulder and gave Hannah one last sly glance before returning back to the home. Elcana sauntered gingerly towards Hannah, whose shoulders had already begun to ease their way down to her sides. She felt at peace in Elcana's presence, yet her eyes remained steadfast on the embers and flame dancing before her. Perhaps it was shame or a sense of guilt that something within her made her feel as though she had failed Elcana as a wife. In her barrenness, Elcana strode softly to Hannah's side. He knelt beside her with a gentle gaze. Her eyes were still unable to meet his. Elcana could see the shimmer of tears welling up in Hannah's eyes. Despite her best efforts to remain strong, Hannah had resolved to show Elcana she was resilient, if nothing else. Her husband placed his rugged hand on her temple. At his loving touch, Hannah could no longer fight her sorrow, silent sobs and tears streaming down her face. Why Hanna. His raspy voice trailed off as he considered his next words. I know your. 00:05:06 Speaker 6: Ain, at your barrenness, but please you cry? 00:05:11 Speaker 9: Am I not better to you than theam sons? 00:05:14 Speaker 1: Hannah appeared sideways at her husband and forced a smile. She knew he meant well, but his consolation stung only slightly less than Panina's coarse jests. She pushed through her inner turmoil and affirmed herself of Elcana's genuine care for her. 00:05:33 Speaker 3: You are kind, my husband, and I have found that a heart without hope cannot find the strength to rejoice. 00:05:41 Speaker 1: Elcana shifted in the dirt and brought his hands softly down to her cheek. He lifted his eyes to the colorful skies and directed Hannah's eyes upwards for the first time that day. 00:05:53 Speaker 5: But you have forgotten something. 00:05:56 Speaker 1: Hannah turned her face to Elcana's desperately looking looking for understanding. Elcana's smile was pursued with empathy. 00:06:05 Speaker 9: As long as the Lord is watching over us, there will always be a reason to Lord, and that alone will allow even the weakest of hearts to rejoice. In fact, all my years on this earth have only proven to me that it is in our most broken moments that our God provides profound healing. Perhaps I may not be better than ten sons, but I assure you that he is. 00:06:35 Speaker 1: Hannah's tears began to flow once more. She was stricken with the tension between her deep hurt and Elcana's encouragement. She was grieved to be without children. She felt guilty that her grief created distance between her and her husband. She felt bitter towards Panina for bearing her husband's children and rubbing it in her face. Then she felt shame for feeling bitter. She was lost in a cycle of self loathing and isolation. Elkana pressed down on his walking stick and rose to his feet. 00:07:13 Speaker 9: We have a long journey ahead of us to Shiloh. It's best that I go and finish preparations inside. 00:07:25 Speaker 1: The next morning, the householder rose early. Elkana and his wives were busily wrapping up food and clothes into sacks outside the loaded donkey's braid. In anticipation of the journey ahead, Hannah hoisted her bag over her shoulder, nearly dropping it. As several of Panina's children darted past, laughing and playing. Panina followed closely behind. She gave a dramatic sigh as she handed her bag to her eldest son and made sure to appear exhausted as she caught Hannah's eyes. 00:07:59 Speaker 2: Ah oh, mother's hands are always. 00:08:02 Speaker 1: Full, With a successful gleam in her eye, Panina continued out the door after her children. Hannah watched placidly, fighting off the temptation to spiral into a pit of sadness. She wanted to find delight in the sounds of playful children, Knowing she should praise God for giving life. She reflected on his provision as she looked around their quaint home, but was only met with reminders that it would never be filled with her own growing family. As they prepared to make sacrifices at the altars of Shiloh, she asked the Lord for forgiveness for her troubled heart and took meager steps out to join the others. The family formed a caravan for their journey, gently winding through the sloping landscape. Dust cascaded into the air as brain donkeys rhythmically clopped alongside the group. Nature was still waking in the early morning hours. Birds joined in song with Panina's children as they skipped and hummed along merrily. Despite their laughter, Hannah solemnly strode in silence. Her eyes were fixated on the hem of her garment, flowing delicately with each step. Elkana led the way a few yards ahead, holding the reins of a donkey upon which Panina rode. Hannah could hear Panina's voice intermingled with laughter, though she couldn't quite make out the words. Hannah pulled her scarf around her ears in a vain attempt to drown out the noise. Her heart sank as Panina raised her voice louder. 00:09:44 Speaker 2: The little one has been so curious lately. Just yesterday we were talking about the many blessings of our God, and he asked why the Lord does not give gifts to everyone in the same way. What a peculiar question, don't you think. 00:09:58 Speaker 1: Hannah instinctively laid her open hand gently across her stomach, her eyes shut, and a small tear rolled down her cheek and landed like a seed on the earth. Elcana turned his shoulder back in time to see Hannah draw her shawl around her face. He could sense her heartache. In his love for her, he shared in the pain. He called to Pannina's eldest son and passed off the leather straps. He slowed his pace and walked beside Hannah, who had already regathered her composure, both out of necessity and ritual. 00:10:34 Speaker 9: How are you feeling today, my Hennah? 00:10:37 Speaker 1: Elcana waited for a response he knew would never come. 00:10:41 Speaker 9: Perhaps that is the wrong question. I'm not sure there's a right one, but please know my love for you runs very deeper than the sea and spans all of the heavens above. 00:10:58 Speaker 1: As always, Elcana's genuine words of affection warmed her heart, but they only dulled the pain. Barrenness had left, an emptiness that seemed insurmountable. Elcana ran his hand down Hannah's arm and went to grasp her hand, but without thinking, Hannah drew her hand slightly away an instinct of her loneliness and shame. Elcana sighed and gave her arm a tender squeeze. He quickened his pace and shuffled his way back to the front of the group. It wasn't long before Hannah heard the shrill laughter of Pannina once more. Hours passed as the sun lingered high in the sky, Wisps of cloud danced across the blue expanse with the help of a merciful wind that cooled the tired travelers. Shiloh sat atop the horizon, nothing more than a speck, but the mere sight of their resting place was enough to rejuvenate the group for the last few miles. Of course, Pannina knew nothing of weariness. She continued to lazily call out to her children and elcano whenever she had a need. Hannah, on the other hand, had pushed aside any feelings of weariness in her hopes to remove all feelings from within her. In her mind, no emotion was better than the endless bitterness she would otherwise endure. By the time the group reached the city, the sun hung low in the sky. It cast golden rays in every direction, bouncing over the tabernacle that sat at the north end of the city. Thousands of pilgrims lined the streets and crowded into houses and tents. Each one was focused diligently on preparing their sacrifices and offerings for worship. The warm smell of roasting meats intermingled with the fragrance of burning incense. The entire city was full of life. Sounds bounced all around, but for Hannah, everything continued to feel empty, hollow, silent. She promptly began busying her hands. As she unstrapped packs from one of the donkeys, Panina slid off hers with a flick of the wrist. She sent her sons to gather all of their belongings. They made light work of unloading and setting up camp at the center of their tents, Elkanna sat near a growing fire. He promptly began preparing the family's sacrifices. Panina and her children gathered around the fire, filling the camp with shouts and laughter. Hannah sat off in the distance. She watched as the setting sun turned the sky above the near by tabernacle a royal purple. Her eyes lingered on the holy dwelling. Year after year, the sight of it always stirred a mixture of hope and grief within her. She longed desperately for each year to be different, but repeated disappointment had taught her to loosen her grip on the hope of ever seeing her deepest desire fulfilled. Elcana shouted for everyone to gather around the time had come. Elcana began distributing portions of the sacrificial meal for the family to present offerings. He gave generous servings to Banina and her children, ensuring each child received their allotted share. 00:14:35 Speaker 2: You are always so gracious to us, my Elcana, providing for me and our children so that we might make sacrifices to add an eye. What more could a wife need from her husband? 00:14:46 Speaker 1: Hannah could feel Panina's eyes linger on her, but to her surprise, Elcana gave no reply. Instead, he slowly turned to Hannah. He presented her with a portion of the offering without looking up. Hannah began to thank Elcana, but stopped abruptly as her eyes landed on the tray set before her. 00:15:09 Speaker 5: Is this not, yes, a double portion for you, Hannah? My love for you is great, even greater than any earthly sorrow. 00:15:22 Speaker 1: Hannah's lip quivered, though not for the reasons Elkana had assumed. Hannah knew her husband meant well. She accepted the gesture with a grateful heart, but the double portion only served as a reminder of her barrenness. Banina's eyes were wide, but quickly drew her attention to her children, loudly discussing the generous portions they had each received. Elcana shifted closer to Hannah. He kissed her on the forehead before she slowly slipped away from the group. It wasn't long before Hannah found herself before the opening of the tabernacle. She gazed upon its entryway. Within its meticulously woven walls was the pure and beautiful presence of God most High, dwelling with his people. Hannah fell to her knees on the rocky ground. She let out a whimper that was barely audible as she searched for words. Her voice trembled as she finally spoke, God, Most. 00:16:28 Speaker 3: High Lord of Host, if you will indeed look upon the affliction of your servant and remember. 00:16:37 Speaker 1: Me, She sobbed as she begged for the Lord's remembrance yet again. 00:16:44 Speaker 3: If you will give your servant a son, then I will give him to you all the days of his life. No razor shall ever touch his head. You'll be holy and given to you. It will be yours. Just please, Lord. 00:17:00 Speaker 2: It, please. 00:17:05 Speaker 3: Please. 00:17:11 Speaker 1: Hannah continued in her wrestling with God, her lips moled as silent but desperate plea. She laid her face into the dirt. Unbeknownst to Hannah, a man watched her intently from a few yards away. He was dressed in a blue robe that got lost in the purple horizon. He furrowed his brow as he watched the hysterical woman. He bent his ear to try and catch any of the woman's words, but her unintelligible babble told him all he needed to know. 00:17:45 Speaker 6: This woman is a drunken mess. Ah, the things I have to put up with? My lord? Is this the lofty tasks you have laid up for your priest to scrape drunks off the floor. 00:18:00 Speaker 1: Eli approached Hannah with a judgmental tone. 00:18:04 Speaker 6: Oh long will you grow on in your clunker? Come now, put your wine away from you, especially before the tabernacle. Have some decency. 00:18:14 Speaker 1: Eli's voice was rough and firm. His command was deliberate and sure. This was enough to startle Hannah from her prayers. She looked up with her muddied face. Her eyes were a window for the anguish that raged within. She took a slow, steady breath. 00:18:34 Speaker 3: No, my Lord, please, it's not what it seems. 00:18:38 Speaker 1: Eli's face remained stern, preparing himself for an excuse. 00:18:44 Speaker 3: I am a woman who is deeply trouble. I can assure you I have not been partaking of any wine, nor has any strong drink crossed my lips. All that has been poured out tonight is my soul before the Lord. I beg you do not regard your servant as a worthless woman and drunkard. I have only spoken from my abundant grief and heartache. 00:19:10 Speaker 1: Eli's face softened. In his old age, he had learned to quickly make amends for any wrongdoing. He now stood closer to Hannah and knelt by her side. He studied her tear strewn face. 00:19:25 Speaker 6: Yes, I see. May it please the Lord that you go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you your petition that you have made to him on this day. 00:19:35 Speaker 1: Hannah's heart swelled with both uncertainty and hope. She rose to her feet and wiped her face with her shawl. She bowed her head before Eli. 00:19:46 Speaker 3: Let your servant find favor in. 00:19:48 Speaker 1: Your set Sadness seemed to fade, like the dawn mist meeting the sunrise. In its place, Hannah found joy for the first time in years. The next morning, the family rose early to worship the Lord before starting their return trip. The journey back to Rama was quiet. Hannah had found her usual place in the processions, but nothing felt the same to her. She repeated Eli's words the entire trip back, taking in each one like a precious treasure. Once home, the rhythms of life quickly set back. In only now what once pained Hannah fanned the flames of her renewed spirit. Children's laughter fuelled her with hope to one day hear the joyful shouts of her own. As she prepared meals for the family, she could only hold on to the dream of feeding her own offspring, and the fond embrace of Elcana assured her of his endless love for her. As life steadily rolled along, Hannah clung to Eli's blessing, believing that God was working and in the coming months, he answered Hannah's prayer. Hannah conceived as the child grew in her womb, her faith grew in her heart. When it was time to welcome the child into the world, Hannah had already chosen a name. 00:21:24 Speaker 3: I shall call him Samuel, for I have asked for him from the Lord. 00:21:30 Speaker 1: Hannah marveled at her son. The years of brokenness became a distant memory as she watched her son grow. Newborn cries turned into the pitter patter of little footsteps. Gentle cools turned into playful laughter as Samuel crawled through the house, and the words of Pannina that once pierced Hannah's heart no longer had power over her. She felt free and fulfilled, satisfied in the grace of the Lord. When it came time for the family to return to Shiloh. Hannah remained with Samuel. Once weaned, she would make the journey with her son. 00:22:11 Speaker 9: Are you sure about this, Manna, I know the joy you've found in our son. 00:22:17 Speaker 6: You waited for so long. 00:22:19 Speaker 1: Hannah smiled her eyes, testifying to her confidence in the decision. 00:22:25 Speaker 3: The Lord remembered me, so I too shall remember him. When Samuel is weep, I shall bring him to appear before the Lord. There shall remain. 00:22:40 Speaker 1: Elcana dared not disagree. He admired Hannah's devotion and trusted in God's sovereign will for the boy. Elcana and the others left the next morning at the first light of day. Hannah enjoyed the quiet moments with Samuel, savoring them as the last time together in their home. Over the coming weeks, she prayed for Samuel and herself. She asked the Lord to grant them both peace in the face of the unknown life ahead of them. Hannah knew the goodbye would come soon, perhaps not a goodbye to Samuel forever, but a goodbye to the normal life that most mothers in vision with their children. With her hearts steadfast on the Lord, she and Samuel began the journey to Shiloh. When they arrived, Hannah found Elcana. He greeted her warmly, holding on to her and his son longer than usual. Together, they made their sacrifices before making their way to the tabernacle in search of Eli. Hannah sauntered leisurely down the road, taking every last second she could, but no amount of time would have felt like enough for her. Standing before the tabernacle, she heard a voice from behind. 00:24:01 Speaker 6: Her, Salom, Welcome to Shiloh. We are pleased to have you and your family. 00:24:06 Speaker 1: Hannah closed her eyes. The voice was unmistakable. She had replayed it over and over in her head for years. She wrapped her arms around Samuel tighter. She turned slowly as Samuel's delicate fingers interlocked with hers. 00:24:23 Speaker 3: Do you remember who I am? 00:24:25 Speaker 6: We host many pilgrims this time of year, My dear. 00:24:28 Speaker 3: I'm the woman who stood here in your presence years ago, praying before the Lord. You thought I was drunk? 00:24:37 Speaker 6: Oh oh, yes, yes, you were praying for a child. 00:24:43 Speaker 1: Hannah stepped aside and revealed Samuel, now weaned and able to walk, clinging on to his mother's. 00:24:50 Speaker 3: Garment, his name is Samuel. For this child I prayed, and through your blessing I held on to hope. And now I stand here testifying that the Lord has granted me my petition. Therefore I also have lent him to the Lord, and as long as he lives, he shall be lent to the Lord. 00:25:14 Speaker 1: Eli's eyes sparkled in amazement. He gingerly took the boy into his arms. Years of serving the Lord had shown Eli countless examples of God's faithfulness, but none such as this. As Samuel took Eli's hand, Hannah knelt before the tabernacle. She turned her eyes towards the heavens and raised a prayer of thanksgiving for everyone to hear. 00:25:42 Speaker 3: My heart exults in the Lord. My horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth derides my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation. There is none holy like the Lord. There is none besides you. There is no rock like our God. 00:26:02 Speaker 1: Her voice carried over the dull hum of pilgrims. Each word was like the beating of a heart, the heartbeat of new life, not only for Hannah and Samuel, but also for Israel. This prey dot com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Gattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabarger and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of The Chosen People. Narrated by Paul CALTAFIANU. Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland, Junior, Rosanna Pilcher, and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more Prey dot com productions on the Prey dot Com app, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave a review,