The Importance of Things Left Out

As I was listening to 1 Samuel today while walking on my treadmill I was reminded of a comment my mother once made on the story.

We learn about Hannah and her desire for a son, and her sadness that she was barren. Her husband, Elkanah, somewhat full of himself, wonders why she’s crying and miserable. “Am I not more to you than ten sons?” he asks (1 Samuel 1:8).

I remember my mother commenting that this missed the point, in fact, it missed all the points. It didn’t deal with a woman’s desire for a child, or the prestige of having sons in that time, or the shame of barrenness, which many would see as a curse of God.

The writer emphasizes this in a way we are not always aware of in English storytelling: “After they had finished eating …” continues verse 9.

Hannah’s opinion is expressed in a very meaningful silence.

Be aware of the silences of scripture!