1 Samuel 1:6

Berean Standard Bible

Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her viciously to taunt her.

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1 Samuel 1:6, which states, “Because the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her” (NIV), serves as a poignant moment in the narrative of Hannah’s struggle with infertility and the relational tensions within her family, setting the stage for her transformative encounter with God. To fully understand the significance of this verse, we must explore its context within the opening chapter of 1 Samuel, its theological and emotional depth, its portrayal of human suffering and divine sovereignty, and its relevance for both the original audience and contemporary readers. This commentary will delve into the verse’s meaning by analyzing the dynamics of Hannah’s situation, the role of divine providence, the impact of Peninnah’s provocation, and the broader spiritual lessons embedded in the text, weaving together its historical, literary, and applicative dimensions.

The book of 1 Samuel opens during the late period of the judges, a time of spiritual and social instability in Israel, where “everyone did as they saw fit” (Judges 21:25). The narrative shifts focus to the personal story of Elkanah’s family in Ramah, introducing Hannah, his beloved but barren wife, and Peninnah, his other wife who had children. The annual pilgrimage to Shiloh, where the family worships and sacrifices to the Lord, provides the backdrop for 1 Samuel 1:6. Verses 1-5 establish the emotional and spiritual context: Hannah’s infertility is a source of deep sorrow, compounded by Peninnah’s rivalry and Elkanah’s preferential love for Hannah despite her barrenness. Verse 6 zooms in on the relational and theological tension, highlighting the cause of Hannah’s barrenness (“the Lord had closed her womb”) and the exacerbating factor of Peninnah’s provocation, which intensifies Hannah’s pain.

The phrase “the Lord had closed Hannah’s womb” is central to the verse’s theological weight, reflecting the biblical worldview that God is sovereign over all aspects of life, including fertility. In the ancient Near Eastern context, children were seen as a divine blessing and a sign of favor (Psalm 127:3-5), while infertility was often perceived as a source of shame or divine disfavor. The text’s attribution of Hannah’s barrenness to God does not imply that He is punishing her but rather situates her suffering within His sovereign plan. This echoes other Old Testament narratives, such as those of Sarah (Genesis 16:2) and Rachel (Genesis 30:2), where God’s control over the womb serves as a prelude to His miraculous intervention. For Hannah, this divine closure is both a source of pain and a catalyst for her dependence on God, as seen in her subsequent prayer at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:10-11). The statement underscores God’s purposeful involvement in human affairs, setting the stage for His response to Hannah’s faith.

The second part of the verse, “her rival kept provoking her in order to irritate her,” introduces the human dimension of Hannah’s suffering through Peninnah’s actions. The Hebrew term for “rival” (tsarah, often translated as “adversary” or “co-wife”) captures the competitive dynamic of polygamous households, where status and security often depended on bearing children, particularly sons. Peninnah’s provocation is described as intentional and persistent (the Hebrew verb suggests ongoing action), aimed at irritating or distressing Hannah. This taunting likely exploited Hannah’s deepest insecurity—her inability to conceive—magnifying her emotional anguish. In the cultural context, where a woman’s worth was tied to motherhood, Peninnah’s behavior reflects not only personal cruelty but also the social pressures that intensified Hannah’s sense of failure. The text does not excuse Peninnah’s actions but presents them as a human reality, contrasting her insensitivity with Hannah’s faith-filled response later in the chapter.

Theologically, 1 Samuel 1:6 raises profound questions about the interplay of divine sovereignty and human suffering. The attribution of Hannah’s barrenness to God might seem troubling to modern readers, as it appears to cast Him as the cause of her pain. However, the broader biblical narrative suggests that God’s sovereignty operates within a framework of grace and redemption. Hannah’s story does not end in barrenness but in the birth of Samuel, a key figure in Israel’s history, demonstrating that God’s “closing” of her womb was part of a larger purpose to display His power and faithfulness. The verse also highlights the reality of human sinfulness in Peninnah’s actions, showing how suffering can be compounded by the brokenness of human relationships. Together, these elements point to a God who is present in suffering, working through it to accomplish His redemptive plans, even when those plans are not immediately clear.

In the narrative context, 1 Samuel 1:6 serves multiple purposes. It deepens the portrayal of Hannah’s character, presenting her as a woman of faith who endures profound personal and social pain. Her response to suffering—turning to God in prayer rather than retaliating against Peninnah—foreshadows her spiritual depth and sets her apart as a model of trust in God. The verse also introduces the theme of divine reversal, a recurring motif in 1 Samuel (e.g., Hannah’s song in 2:1-10), where God lifts up the lowly and humbles the proud. Peninnah’s provocation, while cruel, becomes a catalyst for Hannah’s desperate prayer, which leads to the birth of Samuel and the transformation of Israel’s spiritual landscape. Additionally, the verse sets the stage for the contrast between the corrupt priesthood at Shiloh (1 Samuel 2:12-17) and Hannah’s godly devotion, highlighting her role in God’s redemptive plan.

For the original audience, likely Israelites in the early monarchy or post-exilic period, 1 Samuel 1:6 offered both encouragement and challenge. Hannah’s story would have resonated with those facing personal or communal struggles, reminding them that God is sovereign over their circumstances and responsive to their prayers. The verse also served as a reminder of the consequences of human sinfulness, as seen in Peninnah’s behavior, urging the community to pursue compassion and unity rather than rivalry. Hannah’s experience of suffering under divine sovereignty would have encouraged perseverance, pointing to God’s ability to bring blessing out of pain.

For contemporary readers, 1 Samuel 1:6 speaks powerfully to the realities of suffering, relational conflict, and divine purpose. Hannah’s infertility resonates with those facing unfulfilled longings, whether for children, relationships, or other desires, offering hope that God sees and hears their pain. The verse challenges believers to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when His purposes are mysterious, and to approach Him in prayer as Hannah did. Peninnah’s provocation serves as a warning against using others’ vulnerabilities to wound them, calling Christians to empathy and kindness, especially in contexts of communal or familial tension. The verse also invites reflection on the ways God uses suffering to shape character and accomplish His plans, encouraging believers to look for His redemptive work in their struggles.

Practically, 1 Samuel 1:6 calls the church to minister to those who suffer, whether from physical, emotional, or social pain. It challenges communities to create spaces where people like Hannah can express their grief and find support, rather than judgment or provocation. The verse also underscores the power of prayer as a response to suffering, encouraging believers to bring their deepest hurts to God with honesty and faith. For individuals, it offers a model in Hannah’s resilience, urging perseverance and trust in God’s timing, even when His purposes are not immediately clear.

In conclusion, 1 Samuel 1:6 captures the heart of Hannah’s struggle, revealing the interplay of divine sovereignty and human brokenness in her experience of infertility and rivalry. Rooted in its historical and narrative context, the verse sets the stage for God’s redemptive work through Hannah’s faith, offering a timeless testimony to His faithfulness. For the original audience and believers today, it provides hope in suffering, a call to compassion, and an invitation to trust in the God who transforms pain into purpose.

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Grace and peace to you, dearly beloved, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I write to you today with a heart that yearns for your steadfastness in faith and your perseverance in the way of righteousness. Though the days are filled with uncertainty and trials abound on every side, take courage, for the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Let us reflect upon the life of Hannah, the faithful woman whose story we read in the sacred writings of old. The Scripture tells us that her rival provoked her severely, causing her anguish and deep sorrow, because the Lord had closed her womb. In these words, we find a profound revelation of the mystery of suffering and the testing of the soul. Consider, my beloved, that it was not an enemy of the world who tormented her but one who shared her household, one who had access to her life and proximity to her heart. How painful is the wound that comes not from afar, but from near; not from the stranger, but from one who knows your vulnerabilities.

Yet the text also says that this provocation arose because the Lord Himself had withheld from Hannah the very thing for which her heart longed. Herein lies a truth that we must carefully discern: there are seasons when the Lord permits trials and allows unfulfilled desires not as a sign of His displeasure, but as a preparation for a greater glory to be revealed. The closed womb was not a mark of rejection, but the stage upon which God would perform a mighty work—a son would be born who would anoint kings and turn the hearts of a nation back to God.

So it is with you, dear brothers and sisters. Some of you labor under unanswered prayers. Others endure the sharp barbs of those who misunderstand your calling or mock your hope. There are dreams in your heart that seem perpetually deferred, and your soul cries out, "How long, O Lord?" You may even wonder if the delays and denials are divine punishments. But I tell you, by the authority of Scripture and the witness of the Spirit, that the Lord’s delays are not denials, and His hidden purposes will yet be revealed in due time.

Consider how Hannah responded. She did not retaliate with bitterness nor withdraw into silent despair. Instead, she poured out her soul before the Lord. She wept and prayed, refusing to cease her supplication though her heart was heavy with grief. In this, she teaches us the way of perseverance in prayer and trust in God’s sovereign timing.

Likewise, I urge you: do not allow the provocations of others or the apparent withholding of blessings to drive you away from the presence of the Lord. Let every sorrow become a sacrifice of prayer; let every longing be laid upon the altar of faith. When others mock or misunderstand, when their words cut and their attitudes bruise, remember that their provocations cannot thwart the purposes of God for your life. Their taunts may be loud, but the voice of the Shepherd is gentle and sure. Follow Him.

In your workplaces, in your families, in your churches—yes, even among fellow believers—you may encounter rivals, critics, or those who seem to thrive where you struggle. Envy, comparison, and self-pity will knock upon the door of your heart. Reject them. The path of comparison leads only to despair, but the path of trust leads to joy. Know this: the God who closed Hannah’s womb for a season did so that, when He opened it, His glory would be magnified beyond measure.

And when, at last, the Lord answered her prayer, Hannah responded with gratitude and surrender. She gave back to God the very gift she had long awaited, dedicating her son Samuel to lifelong service in the temple. Oh, what a lesson this is for us! When your prayers are answered, do not grasp the gift selfishly but hold it with open hands. Live as one who understands that all you have is from the Lord and for His glory.

Therefore, beloved, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Do not lose heart when trials persist. Do not allow bitterness to root within you when provocations sting. Rather, embrace the way of patient endurance, continual prayer, and unwavering trust. The same God who remembered Hannah will remember you. The same Lord who turned her sorrow into singing will turn your mourning into dancing. His purposes are never thwarted, and His love for you is steadfast and sure.

I pray that the God of hope may fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. May you, like Hannah, be found faithful in the place of waiting, and joyful in the day of fulfillment. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.

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O Gracious and Almighty God, whose mercy endures forever and whose compassion knows no bounds, we approach Your throne of grace with reverence and awe, seeking Your face through the mediation of Your Son, Jesus Christ, and the indwelling power of Your Holy Spirit. As we meditate on Your Word in 1 Samuel 1:6, where Hannah, in her barrenness, was provoked by her rival Peninnah, causing her deep distress, we are drawn into the mystery of Your providence, the tenderness of Your care for the brokenhearted, and the transformative power of Your presence in our pain. Hear us, O Lord, as we lift our voices in adoration, confession, and supplication, trusting in Your unfailing love to meet us in our deepest need.

We exalt You, O God, for You are the One who sees the afflicted, who hears the cries of the sorrowful, and who turns the ashes of our grief into a testimony of Your glory. In Hannah’s anguish, provoked by Peninnah’s taunts, we see the weight of human suffering, yet we also behold Your sovereign hand, working through trials to draw Your people closer to You. You are not distant or indifferent, but a God who draws near to the crushed in spirit, who collects every tear and numbers every sigh. We praise You for the story of Hannah, which points us to the greater story of Christ, who endured the scorn of His enemies and bore the weight of our sins on the cross, that we might find hope in our distress and redemption in our despair. Your love, O Lord, is the balm for every wound, and Your faithfulness is the anchor of our souls.

Yet, O merciful Father, we confess that we often falter in the face of suffering, as Hannah did, allowing the provocations of this world to overwhelm our trust in You. We have let the words of others, the pressures of circumstance, or the pain of unfulfilled longings steal our peace and dim our faith. Too often, we have turned to our own strength or sought comfort in fleeting things, rather than casting our burdens upon You. Forgive us, we pray, for our impatience, our doubt, and our failure to seek You first in our distress. Cleanse us by the blood of Jesus, who endured the ultimate affliction to make us whole. Renew our hearts by Your Spirit, that we may, like Hannah, pour out our souls before You, trusting in Your perfect timing and unwavering goodness.

We lift before You, O God, all who bear the sting of barrenness, whether of body, heart, or spirit—those who ache for what they do not have, who face the taunts of unfulfilled dreams or the mockery of a world that measures worth by fleeting standards. Comfort them, Lord, with the assurance that You see their pain, that You hear their cries, and that You are near to the brokenhearted. Grant them the grace to endure, the faith to persevere, and the courage to bring their sorrows to Your altar, as Hannah did. May they find in You a refuge, a strength, and a hope that does not disappoint. We pray also for those who, like Peninnah, wield words or actions that wound others, perhaps unaware of the harm they cause. Soften their hearts, O Lord, and lead them to repentance, that they may reflect Your love rather than provoke pain.

We intercede for Your church, O God, called to be a sanctuary for the hurting and a family for the lonely. Make us a people who bear one another’s burdens, who weep with those who weep, and who offer words of life rather than condemnation. Forgive us for the times we have been like Peninnah, thoughtless or unkind in our speech, failing to see the hidden struggles of those around us. Fill us with the compassion of Christ, who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, that we may be instruments of Your healing. Let our communities be places where the afflicted find solace, where the weary are lifted up, and where the gospel shines as a beacon of hope, drawing all to the cross where every need is met.

O God of all hope, we thank You for the promise woven into Hannah’s story, for her pain was not the end, but the beginning of Your redemptive work. From her womb came Samuel, a prophet who would anoint kings and speak Your word, pointing to the ultimate Prophet, Priest, and King, Jesus Christ. In our trials, remind us that You are writing a story far greater than we can see, turning our mourning into joy and our barrenness into fruitfulness for Your kingdom. Fill us with the hope of the new creation, where every sorrow will be redeemed, and every tear will be wiped away. Until that day, keep us steadfast, O Lord, pouring out our hearts in prayer, trusting in Your providence, and clinging to the promise of Your unfailing love.

We offer this prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.