“Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord;
in the Lord my horn[a] is lifted high.
My mouth boasts over my enemies,
for I delight in your deliverance. 2 “There is no one holy like the Lord;
there is no one besides you;
there is no Rock like our God. 3 “Do not keep talking so proudly
or let your mouth speak such arrogance,
for the Lord is a God who knows,
and by him deeds are weighed. 4 “The bows of the warriors are broken,
but those who stumbled are armed with strength.
5 Those who were full hire themselves out for food,
but those who were hungry are hungry no more.
She who was barren has borne seven children,
but she who has had many sons pines away. 6 “The Lord brings death and makes alive;
he brings down to the grave and raises up.
7 The Lord sends poverty and wealth;
he humbles and he exalts.
8 He raises the poor from the dust
and lifts the needy from the ash heap;
he seats them with princes
and has them inherit a throne of honor. “For the foundations of the earth are the Lord’s;
on them he has set the world.
9 He will guard the feet of his faithful servants,
but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness. “It is not by strength that one prevails;
10 those who oppose the Lord will be broken.
The Most High will thunder from heaven;
the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. “He will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.” 11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah, but the boy ministered before the Lord under Eli the priest.” 1 Samuel 2.1-11
This is Hannah’s song of praise. Hannah, a humble Jewish woman, praising God and it was published in the book of Samuel. This is truly remarkable and also affirms the role of women in God’s Kingdom.
Her song is ten verses long, filled with praises and fulfilled promises, truths and answered prayers. She begins by saying, “My heart rejoices in the Lord…” which is not unparalleled to the song of Mary – “My soul magnifies the Lord…” (see Luke 1.46). There are several similarities between these two songs — both given by a woman who was unexpecting a child but whose son impacted the nation of Israel in incredible ways.
Hannah could have very easily kept silent but instead offers up a hymn of praise to God. In this hymn she covers topics such as —
Praise (v.1 – “in the Lord my horn is lifted high)
Holiness (v.2 – “there is no one holy like the Lord”)
Sovereignty (v.3 – “for the Lord is a God who knows.”)
Governance over life and death (v.6 “The Lord brings death and make alive…he brings down to the grace and raises up.)
Governance over blessings and trials (v.7. “The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts.)
Help for those in need (v.8a – “he raises the poor from the dust and lifts the need from the ash heap.”)
Governance over the earths foundations (v.8b – “for the foundations of the earth are the Lords, on them he has set the world.)
Protection for his people (v.9a – “he will guard the feet of his faithful servants.”
Punishment for sinners and enemies (v.9b – “but the wicked will be silenced in the place of darkness,” v.10a – “those who oppose the Lord will be broken.”
Display of God’s power (v.10b – “the Most High will thunder from heaven.)
And Judgment (v.10b – “the Lord will judge the ends of the earth.”)
Hannah’s song of praise is a declaration of who God is and what he will do for those who put their faith and trust in his word. In today’s periods times, we need to rely upon the Lord more completely. We who have or will face persecution must remember the Lord is sovereign over all and all who trust him will never be put to shame.
Hannah’s song is also consistent with the Gospel message of Jesus – a God who will stop at nothing to save and redeem his people. Especially when those people cry out to him for salvation.
“O Lord God, putting myself in Hannah’s shoes helps me remember that God cares for all who turn to him. Those who trust him, follow him and obey him will be blessed. Although difficulties will come, he will do as he wills and loves who he will love. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power and might. Help me know the truth of your love and the grace in your hand. Just as you answered Hannah’s prayers so hear and answer mine. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen