Definition: But unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the LORD had shut up her womb.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:5. It’s a really interesting and dramatic passage about God’s intervention in a woman’s life. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: God was very pleased with Hannah, a woman who prayed for her son. He felt so moved by her devotion that he decided to intervene and help her. But there’s a catch – the Lord stopped her from giving birth. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “But unto Hannah…” : This tells us the verse is about a specific event involving Hannah. “…he gave a worthy portion…” : This means God recognized Hannah’s worthiness and value. It wasn’t just any ordinary gift; it was something special. “…for he loved Hannah…” : This is key . The verse emphasizes that God's love for Hannah was the reason for this action. It wasn’t a random decision, but a result of his affection. "...but the LORD had shut up her womb." : This is the surprising part! The Lord stopped her from having a baby because he felt that Hannah’s prayers were too powerful and she was about to give birth. It's like God realized her faith was so strong, he wanted to protect her and prevent the birth of a child. What it means in a broader sense: This verse speaks to several important themes: God’s Sovereignty: God is in control and doesn’t always allow things to happen as we expect. Divine Protection: God uses his power to protect those he loves, even if that protection comes with a temporary restriction. Faith and Obedience: Hannah's faith in God was crucial – she prayed for her son, and it was her faith that ultimately led to this miraculous pause. In short, this verse is about God’s love being the driving force behind his intervention – he stopped Hannah from having a baby to protect her and her son. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss the symbolism of this passage (like it relates to faith or obedience)?