Prophetess Hannah

Hannah was the mother of Samuel the Prophet, living during the late period of the Judges when the Tabernacle was at Shiloh. She was originally childless and prayed deeply to God for a son, promising that if she was blessed with a child, she would dedicate him to divine service. Her prayer was answered with the birth of Samuel, whom she later brought to Shiloh to serve under Eli the High Priest.

Hannah is remembered as one of the seven prophetesses of Israel in Jewish tradition. Her song of thanksgiving in 1 Samuel 2 is considered prophetic because it speaks not only about her personal joy, but also about God raising the humble, bringing down the arrogant, and strengthening His future anointed king. Her story marks the transition from the era of the Judges toward the rise of prophecy and monarchy in Israel.