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October 16, 2018 - Baba 6, 1735

Departure of the Righteous Hannah, the Prophetess and Mother of Samuel, the Prophet

On this day was the departure of the righteous Hannah, the prophetess, and mother of Samuel the prophet. This just woman was of the tribe of Levi, and Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, married her. He also had another wife whose name was Peninnah. Hannah had no children because she was barren. Peninnah was always reviling her because of her failing to have children, so Hannah wept and would not eat. Elkanah, her husband, comforted her saying, Why weepest thou? And why eatest thou not? And why is thy heart grieved? Am I not better to thee then ten sons? (1 Samuel 1:8) She did not accept his comfort and went up to the house of the Lord during the days of Eli the priest. She prayed unto the Lord, and wept sore. She vowed a vow, and said, If Thou wilt give unto Thine handmaiden a man child, then I will give him unto the Lord all the days of his life. (1 Samuel 1:11) Eli the priest was watching her as she stood praying silently, for she was praying in her heart. Eli thought that she was drunk and he rebuked her but she told him, I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but I am grieved in my heart. He answered her saying, Go in peace and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition. She believed his word and went home.

Then she conceived and brought forth a son, and she called him Samuel which is, interpreted, Being asked for because she said, 'I have asked him of the Lord. When she weaned him, she took him to the house of the Lord, as she had vowed, and she brought him to Eli the priest, and made him know that she was the woman that had stood before him praying to God. For this child I prayed and behold God has heard my petition and has given me my heart's desire, and behold I have brought him to God so that he may minister in His house all the days of his life. Then she praised God with that well-known praise attributed to her. She lived happily after this and was well-pleasing to God, and departed in peace. May her prayers and blessings be with us all, and Glory be to God forever. Amen.