June 03, 2012

A Mother's Sacrifice

Hannah was barren (1 Samuel 2:5). The word aptly describes how a wife without children was regarded in the ancient Near East. A barren woman was considered lacking, fruitless, desolate. Because she was a woman of great faith, Hannah took her loss to God. She made a vow that if God would give her a child, she would give the child back to God. During this session, we will see that Hannah's faith gave her the strength she needed to keep her vow.

Samuel, the Child in the Temple

In ancient times, people often looked down on women who could not bear children. Children were a blessing from God; therefore, women who could not have children must not be blessed but cursed by God. Why were children so important in ancient times? This week's article explains.