The story of Hannah is about a prayer, a song, and a life that glorifies God against all odds. Elkanah has two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, Hannah is childless while Peninnah has several sons and daughters and never lets Hannah forget it. She taunts Hannah and drives her to tears . Hannah prays fervently for a son and promises she will dedicate him to God. Samuel is born but Hannah's joy is in God who answers her prayer. Her song is a song of praise.

Hannah's song is compared to Mary's song in Luke 1, the magnificat. Both women glorify God in their songs for their lives, their joy is in him. because of their obedience, humility and gratitude they reap the rewards of righteousness. These stories remind us of how far away we are from God when we depend on our own performance and what those around us think about us. radical love is God's way, God's wisdom, and is summed up in james 3: 17-18: but the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.