OBC: The Story of Hannah
| OBC: The Story of Achan | OBC: The Story of Hannah | OBC: The Story of Josiah |
"OBC: The Story of Hannah" is a two-part story arc from the Odyssey Bible Comics series, re-written by Evan David and illustrated by Sergio Cariello. It adapts the events of 1 Samuel 1–3, telling the story of Hannah’s deep longing for a child and the early calling of her son Samuel. The story features cousins Patrick and Beth, who travel back in time using the Imagination Station to witness Hannah’s prayer, Samuel’s miraculous birth, and his early days in the tabernacle.
Plot Synopsis
Patrick and Beth arrive in ancient Israel shortly after the time of the judges. They witness the sorrow of Hannah, one of two wives of Elkanah, who is grieved because she has no children. Her husband tries to comfort her, but the emotional pain remains. At the tabernacle in Shiloh, Hannah prays silently, pouring out her heart to God. The high priest Eli sees her and mistakenly believes she is drunk, but when she explains, he blesses her and prays that her request will be granted.
In time, Hannah becomes pregnant and gives birth to a son, Samuel. She fulfills her vow to dedicate him to God’s service and brings him to live at the tabernacle under Eli’s care. There, Patrick and Beth observe the corrupt behavior of Eli’s wicked sons, Hophni and Phinehas, and watch as God calls young Samuel in the night. Samuel faithfully delivers God’s message of judgment to Eli. Later, when he is grown, Samuel becomes a judge over Israel and a prophet of the Lord.
Character Development
Patrick and Beth are present throughout the emotional arc of Hannah’s story. At the family meal scene, Patrick is confused by the domestic tension and blurts out, “So busy running errands, your wife slipped your mind?” prompting Beth to chide him with a quick “Patrick!” At Shiloh, they observe Hannah’s heartfelt prayer and Eli’s mistaken rebuke. When Hannah explains herself, Beth watches with sympathy, clearly moved.
Later, the cousins return when Samuel is a small child, and they speak with him as he adjusts to life at the tabernacle. Patrick jokes about sleeping arrangements and bathrooms, trying to lighten the mood, while Beth is more reflective. They encounter Hophni and Phinehas, who mock the kids and show clear disdain for God’s law. When Samuel receives his first vision from God, the kids eavesdrop in wonder, hearing the voice of the Lord call Samuel by name. At the end of the story, they witness Samuel’s farewell to his mother and eventually see him grown and mature, sharing God’s word with the people.
The story gives several key glimpses into Patrick and Beth’s family dynamic. Patrick continues to provide comic relief and childlike curiosity, while Beth is more emotionally perceptive and spiritually in tune. For example, when Hannah is praying and crying silently, Patrick asks, “What’s wrong with her?” while Beth is already connecting the dots, showing quiet empathy.
Lesson
The Hannah story teaches that God hears sincere prayer and honors heartfelt faith. It also reveals that obedience to God’s plan—even when it’s difficult—brings long-term blessing. Hannah’s example of sacrificial trust, and Samuel’s readiness to listen to God, highlight the value of humility, dedication, and spiritual sensitivity. The story closes with the reminder that God's purposes are bigger than personal desires, and that even children can be used by God to deliver His message.
Trivia
This is the second time we've seen Whit use the Hannah and Samuel Program for the Imagination Station.