Meaning of ANA

(Heb. "hanah" = "grace").
(a) One of the two wives of Elkanah and mother of the prophet Samuel. Because of the preference that her husband showed towards her, her rival insulted her for being sterile.

Hannah made a vow that if the Lord granted her a male child, she would consecrate him to his service. Her request was granted, and she fulfilled her promise.

She herself, inspired by the Spirit, gave the messianic prophecy that Jehovah would empower His King and exalt the might of His Anointed One (Heb. “mashiach,” messiah), the first mention of God’s Messiah in the Scriptures (1 Sam. . 2:10).

Her son Samuel would anoint King David, a type of the Lord Jesus as king. Her prayer presents the most sublime style of prophetic poetry.

(b) Widow, daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was only married 7 years. She went to the temple every day, and at the age of 84 she was able to see the baby Jesus when he was brought in for the presentation.

Being a prophetess, she discerned that it was the Messiah, and she bore witness to Him (Lk. 2: 36-38).