Famous last words. Famous people leave behind famous last words. They may be interesting, like Goethe’s “Mehr licht!” (“More light!”), or inspiring, like John Wesley’s “The best of all is, God...

Rattled by Jesus’ prediction, the disciples eagerly inquire about the details of the impending threat of the Temple’s destruction. “When will this be, and what will be the sign that all...

The birth of Samuel marks the start of a new age—not just for Hannah’s family but also for Israel. Through Samuel, the last judge of Israel, God anoints a king: Saul...

Being born a woman in Old Testament times, Hannah knows firsthand her disadvantage. As if this weren’t enough, she cannot have children. Insecurity, uncertainty, disappointment, and judgment are aspects of life...

At first reading, we might mislabel Hannah as the ungrateful, entitled wife. True, her husband’s second wife gives her a hard time, but she is the favorite. Receiving double the portion...

Born in a time when women had no inheritance or birthright, Hannah is the proverbial underdog. Marriage assured and insured a woman’s future through male offspring. In spite of Hannah’s being...

When in your life did you feel discouraged and chose to meet with other Christians, to be part of Christian fellowship? Did it result from persecution from people, friends, or family...

In Old Testament times, the high priest entered the Holy of Holies once a year to offer atonement for Israel’s sins. The high priest readied himself for the extensive liturgy and...

Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote about “cheap grace,” grace with­out serious cost, grace without a cross, cosmetic sharing and blessing not deeply felt. Charity also can be either cheap or costly. We can...

For anyone looking to the Bible to support laziness, the two phrases “unless the Lord builds” it and “unless the Lord guards” it could serve as a foundation. Our resignation that...