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Informative Article | Religion and Theology | Nigeria | Volume 9 Issue 1, January 2020

Re-evaluating I Samuel 1:1-17 and the Plight of the Barren Woman in Ancient Israel and Yoruba Culture

Israel Odukogbe

Abstract: As in other similar biblical stories, I Sam.1: 1-17 depict what a typical barren woman generally goes through in both ancient Israelite and Yoruba societies. Since so much importance has been attached to procreation in both societies, the concern shifts back and forth from personal shame to psychosocial trauma within the society where she lives especially when she may not be listened to, no matter what she intends to say in the community. In this paper, I intend to use Elkanah/Peninah/Hannah story as a template to elucidate the agony of the barren and to reexamine the basis for these cultural views while seeking various ways of reducing the stigma. In addition, special attention is paid to various contributions by scholars and experts looking at their suggestions through the lens of postmodern and some socially acceptable methods including the contributions of technology, which seems to be getting more popular in modern societies.

Keywords: Ancient Israel, Yoruba people, Culture, Barren, Society

Edition: Volume 9 Issue 1, January 2020,

Pages: 1431 - 1437