A Mother’s Influence

Hannah had long wished for a child. Elkanah’s second wife, Peninnah, had been blessed with sons and daughters, but Hannah was childless.

During a yearly visit to Shiloh to offer sacrifices before God, she silently prayed that she might be blessed with a son. Should her prayer be answered, she promised God she would lend her child to His service all the days of his life.

Eli, the high priest, was sitting nearby, leaning against a post of the temple. Seeing her lips moving but no sound coming out, he accused Hannah of being drunk.

When her heartbreaking tale was told, Eli realized this God-fearing woman was pouring out a heartfelt desire to her Lord. His heart softened, and he said, “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him” (1 Samuel 1:17).

God heard her prayer, and she gave birth to a son. “During the first three years of the life of Samuel the prophet, his mother carefully taught him to distinguish between good and evil. By every familiar object surrounding him, she sought to lead his thoughts up to the Creator. In fulfilment of her vow to give her son to the Lord, with great self-denial she placed him under the care of Eli the high priest, to be trained for service in the house of God.” “As soon as the little one was old enough to be separated from his mother, she fulfilled her vow. She loved her child with all the devotion of a mother’s heart; day by day, as she watched his expanding powers and listened to his childish prattle, her affections entwined about him more closely. He was her only son, the special gift of Heaven; but she had received him as a treasure consecrated to God, and she would not withhold from the Giver His own.” “And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men” (1 Samuel 2:26).

This text brings to mind the description of another Child who found favor with God (Luke 2:52). Hannah had done her job well.

The influence of a Christian mother in forming her children’s character is soul saving brought home.