Hannah's Song

Illustration of Hannah's Song

When barren Hannah's prayer for a son was answered with the birth of Samuel, she poured out a prayer of exultation that became a model of praise. 'My heart rejoiceth in the LORD,' she sang, celebrating a God who reverses fortunes - raising the poor from the dust and humbling the proud. Her song anticipates Mary's Magnificat centuries later, both magnifying the God who lifts up the lowly.

0:00
Strongest connections in Scripture
1 Samuel 2

Key Passages

My Heart Rejoiceth in the LORD

1 Samuel 2:1-10

Hannah exults in the God who reverses fortunes, raising the poor and humbling the proud.

A1nd Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

2 There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God. 3 Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. 4 The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. 5 They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. 6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. 7 The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up. 8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORDโ€™s, and he hath set the world upon them. 9 He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail. 10 The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

Explore Related

Characters

Hannah Hannah was the wife of Elkanah and one of two women in his household during the period of the judges, whenโ€ฆ Samuel Samuel served as Israel's final judge and a major prophet during the transition from tribal leadershipโ€ฆ Elkanah Elkanah was a Levite residing in the hill country of Ephraim who maintained two wives, Hannah and Peninnah,โ€ฆ

Places

Shiloh Shiloh served as the central location of the Israelite tabernacle for over three centuries during theโ€ฆ

Did You Know?

1

Hannah sang it after God answered her prayer for a son, Samuel.

2

It celebrates a God who reverses fortunes - lifting the poor, humbling the proud.

3

Mary's Magnificat closely echoes Hannah's song a thousand years later.

4

It contains the first mention of God's 'anointed' (Messiah) as king.