1 Samuel 1:5

1 Samuel 1:5 describes a significant aspect of Hannah's personal struggle and her husband Elkanah's deep affection for her. Despite being dearly loved and receiving a special portion from her husband, Hannah endured the pain of barrenness, a condition explicitly stated as being orchestrated by the Lord himself.

Context

This verse is situated within the narrative of Elkanah's household, which included two wives: Hannah, whom he loved deeply, and Peninnah, who had children. Annually, Elkanah would travel to Shiloh to offer sacrifices to the Lord. During these feasts, he would distribute portions of the sacrifice to his family members. The KJV text highlights that Elkanah gave Hannah a "worthy portion," signifying his profound love and special regard for her, perhaps even a double portion. This act of love, however, could not alleviate Hannah's sorrow, as her childless state was a source of great distress, exacerbated by Peninnah's constant provocation (1 Samuel 1:6). The verse directly reveals the underlying reason for her barrenness: "the LORD had shut up her womb," setting the stage for the miraculous intervention that would later unfold.

Key Themes

• Divine Sovereignty over Life: The explicit statement that "the LORD had shut up her womb" underscores God's ultimate control over conception and life itself. This theme of divine sovereignty over childbearing is seen throughout the Bible, notably with Sarah and Rachel in Genesis.
• Unconditional Love and Compassion: Elkanah's act of giving Hannah a "worthy portion" demonstrates his deep, compassionate love for her, even in the face of her infertility, which was often a source of shame in ancient cultures. His love was not contingent on her ability to bear children.
• Preparation for God's Plan: Hannah's barrenness, though a personal anguish, was part of God's larger sovereign plan to bring forth Samuel, a pivotal prophet and judge who would serve Israel. This highlights how God often uses seemingly adverse circumstances to achieve His greater purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The King James Version's "a worthy portion" translates the Hebrew word 'appayim, which literally means "double portion" or "two faces/portions." This suggests Elkanah gave Hannah a significantly larger or specially designated share of the sacrificial meat, indicating his exceptional affection and honor for her above his other wife and children. The phrase "the LORD had shut up her womb" is a very direct and active statement, emphasizing divine agency and God's active role in Hannah's condition, rather than a natural or medical explanation.

Practical Application

1 Samuel 1:5 offers profound insights into God's character and human experience. It reminds us that even when circumstances seem bleak or unfair, God is sovereign and has a purpose. Hannah's barrenness was not an oversight but a divine design that ultimately led to the birth of Samuel, a mighty man of God. This verse encourages us to trust in God's perfect timing and plan, even when we don't understand our present difficulties. It also highlights the importance of showing compassion and love to those who are suffering, much like Elkanah did for Hannah. Ultimately, it foreshadows that God hears the cries of the barren and afflicted, often leading to miraculous breakthroughs when we turn to Him in fervent prayer, as Hannah would later do (1 Samuel 1:10).