THE HANNAH COMPANY

Elkanah…had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. — 1 Samuel 1:1-2

I believe that Hannah represents the last day’s church that has received a heavenly vision for birthing souls into the Kingdom of God. For the most part, this Hannah Company is represented by Godly pastors with small congregations that refuse to compromise the standard of the Word of God. As Hannah of old was grieved, this remnant of believers are provoked by the Peninnah church that boasts of many children and a miracle a day, but has no discernment of what God is about to do. Like Eli of old, they mistake true unction for being drunk while their “sons” make people “abhor the offering of the Lord.”

Hannah means grace and is a picture of the true gospel of grace. Peninnah means jewel: She looks good but can never accomplish the heart of God because she represents another gospel. The truth is, Elkanah should have never married Peninnah because in the beginning God did not make Adam and Eve and Esther! It was their culture at that time, but it would later be revealed as “ignorance that God winked at” but now commands to be repented of. Therefore in a sense, all of Peninnah’s children that she was so proud of were really the offspring of adultery “They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions” (Hosea 5:7).

Matthew Henry says that “It is probable that Elkanah married Hannah first, and, because he had not children by her so soon as he hoped, he married Peninnah.” Tragically this is much of what goes on today. Godly men who start out with an honest desire to see souls saved lose patience with “Hannah” and turn to the world’s methods. Hannah’s insistence on the preaching of the cross with the Holy Ghost from heaven as the only power that could birth souls into the kingdom was taking to long; Peninnah’s easing of the cross with reference to the Holy Ghost brought results.

And fast.

The only problem was there was no presence of the Lord, only empty boasting of that which would soon fade away: “Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength. They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble” (1 Samuel 2:3-5).

Are you part of the Hannah Company? Do not be dismayed by the empty confessions of those that boast of there need of nothing. While you may have to confess that you have prayed for years for the same thing, they only have to pray once and confess it is done. While you are praying like the widow woman who kept asking with shameless persistence till she was avenged of her enemy, they are celebrating their superior understanding that places them above Daniel—it took him twenty-one days whereas it takes them only a moment. Satan can not hinder them even though he did hinder the Apostle Paul: “Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us” (1 Thessalonians 2:18).

While Peninnah was “living large and taking charge” with no need to pray, Hannah was pouring out her heart to the Lord. Samuel means “asked of the Lord” and represented that which was in the heart and mind of the Lord. Is that your heart? May the God of our Lord Jesus Christ grant you your petition!