Olney Hymns · Chapter
Hannah; or the Throne of Grace explained
The poem reflects on Hannah's prayer at the tabernacle, where she pours out her grief to God and finds relief.
What happens
The poem reflects on Hannah's prayer at the tabernacle, where she pours out her grief to God and finds relief. It encourages believers to approach the throne of grace in all troubles, trusting that God hears and answers, despite human misunderstanding or opposition.
Themes in this chapter
Prayer and Dependence on God
The poem emphasizes approaching the throne of grace in prayer as the source of relief and strength.
Grace and Unmerited Favor
The throne of grace represents God's unmerited favor, where troubled souls find welcome and help.
Characters to notice
- Hannah
Hannah, pressed with grief, pours out her soul in prayer and finds relief, serving as an example of faith.
- The Lord
The Lord is the one who approves Hannah's cause and provides comfort and strength to those who approach the throne of grace.
- Jesus Christ
Jesus is depicted as the one who will chase away troubles by shining from the throne of grace.
- The Saints
The saints from age to age are safe from the power of men and devils by waiting at the throne of grace.
Key passages
“When Hannah, press’d with grief, Pour’d forth her soul in pray’r; She quickly found relief, And left her burden there:”
When Hannah was overwhelmed with sorrow, she prayed earnestly and immediately felt comforted, leaving her troubles with God.
Highlights the immediate relief found in prayer.
“Eli her case mistook; How was her spirit moved By his unkind rebuke! But God her cause approved.”
Eli misunderstood Hannah's behavior and rebuked her harshly, which upset her, but God knew her heart and approved her prayer.
Shows that human misunderstanding cannot hinder God's approval.
“As fogs obscure the light, And taint the morning air, But soon are put to flight If the bright sun appear, Thus Jesus will our troubles chase, By shining from the throne of grace.”
Just as fog disappears when the sun rises, Jesus will dispel our troubles when we come to the throne of grace.
Uses a natural metaphor to illustrate the power of Christ's presence.