Hannah Giving Her Son Samuel to the Priest
Jan Victors (1619-1676)
Dutch
Date Painted: 1645
Medium: Oil on canvas
Dimensions: 53.1in x52.4 in
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If I had to choose my name, it would Hannah.
I love the symmetry of the name, the perfect mirror image when divided at the "n."
I like that it is a sturdier sound than "Anna."
And for some reason, I see it as a dusky rose.
So, the first draw was the design of the name, then the sound.
But, ultimately, it is meaning that matters - "a rose by any other name?"
Some Hebrew translations of the name give "grace" and "favor" as some meanings. Other translations are more specific with "Grace of God," or "Gift of God's favor."
Hannah received God's favor when she asked God for a son. She bore Samuel, who would be a prophet, and was commanded by God to anoint David as King, and David would be in line for the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The metaphor for me in Hanna's story is that God heard her prayers, and gave her more than she ever wished (or asked) for.
Hath not the scripture said, that Christ cometh of the seed of David,
and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?
[John 7:42]
The Hannah Rose
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Posted By: Kidist P. Asrat
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