Did Samuel Write Psalm 113? How Hannah’s Prayer in 1 Samuel 2 Possibly Unlocks the Authorship of the Hallel

Psalm 113 and the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel 1 and 2 are directly connected.

Hannah was a barren woman who couldn't have children. Her husband's other wife had children, but alas, Hannah was unable to have any.

She went to Jerusalem and prayed. Eli saw her, thought she was drunk, and told her to stop drinking wine.

Hannah explained that she was not drunk and described her situation. Eli told her that God had granted her prayer.

Hannah had a child, Samuel, and gave him to Eli.

She praised God after giving him to Eli, and this is where Psalm 113 borrows its text.

1 Samuel 2:8 “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD’S, and he hath set the world upon them.”

Psalm 113:7–8 “He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people.”

See? Literally the same praise.

The 9th verse in Psalm 113 is also directly referencing Hannah's situation.

Psalm 113:9 “He maketh the barren woman to keep house, and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise ye the LORD.”

Wonder who wrote it?

Could it be her son?