Read 1 Samuel 1:19-2:11

Versions of the Cinderella story are found in cultures around the world. The tale of a heroine brought from rags to riches and from ashes to beauty resonates with universal human desires. Justice has been done! Evil has been defeated! We cheer when the worthy underdog shines and the arrogant antagonist has to eat humble pie.

Hannah’s story stands as a prototype for all of these. She who was “as good as dead” because of her barrenness ended up having her “horn lifted high” over her antagonistic co-wife (2:1). The long period of waiting and despair served to increase Hannah’s joy over the answer to her prayers, so much so that the birth of one son was as fulfilling to her as giving birth to seven.

Hannah’s exuberance erupted in a profoundly prophetic prayer, mirrored years later in the Magnificat of her New Testament counterpart, Mary (see Luke 1:46–55). For Hannah, finally being able to give birth was far more than the fulfillment of one dejected woman’s dream. It was a concrete example of how God works. Though the world seems full of unfair suffering and unaddressed injustice, God does make things right. He is actively at work in the realm of politics and economics, warfare and relationships, health and fertility. In all of these, He pays careful attention to shame and honor. Those who exalt themselves He will most certainly humble, and He will be faithful to bring honor to those who suffer shame. God specializes in the grandest of role reversals.

Hannah’s prayer concludes with a call to all people to entrust their honor to God. After being healed from her shame, she could testify that ultimately God has the power to abase or exalt a person.

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