I Samuel 1 & 2

II Chronicles 22

Mothers have an immeasurable influence over their children’s lives. By studying the contrast of two mothers, Hannah and Athaliah, we can see a mother’s influence either for good or ill.

• The contrast in their inner life
  • Athaliah (mother of King Ahaziah)
    • Evil in her counsel (II Chronicles 22:3&4)
    • Evil in her actions (II Chronicles 22:10)
  • Hannah
    • Took her counsel from the Lord
      • Trusted in God
        • Dared to make a covenant with Him
      • Her actions were in response to God’s leading
• The contrast in their desires in life
  • Athaliah
    • Power
    • Position
    • Personal glory
  • Hannah
    • Inner peace
    • Fulfillment
    • God’s glory
• The contrast in their results in life
  • Athaliah
    • Produced a wicked son
    • Brought evil upon their people
    • Died in violence
      • Both mother and son
  • Hannah
    • Produced a Godly son
      • Gave Him to the Lord’s service
    • His life brought blessings upon many people
    • Experienced a long life with outstanding service to the Lord

Thus, by studying the lives of these two women recorded in Scripture, we can see the powerful influence a mother can have on her children. What children become can be determined in large measure by what they are taught and what they learn at home. God is still calling women to the highest calling of all, Godly motherhood.