The story of Samson is found in the biblical book of Judges, chapters 13-16. Samson was one of the judges appointed by God to deliver the Israelites from the oppression of their Philistine enemies. The story begins with the announcement of Samson's birth to his parents, Manoah and his unnamed wife. An angel of the Lord appeared to Manoah's wife and declared that she would conceive a son who would be a Nazirite - a person specially consecrated to God. As a Nazirite, the boy was to never cut his hair, drink wine or strong drink, or touch anything unclean.

Hannah is a central figure in the opening chapters of the biblical book of 1 Samuel. She is remembered for her deep faith and the miraculous birth of her son, the prophet Samuel. Hannah was one of the two wives of a man named Elkanah. Although Elkanah loved Hannah, she was barren and unable to have children, which caused her great distress. Hannah's rival wife, Peninnah, would provoke and taunt her about her childlessness.

Samuel was one of the most important prophets and judges in the history of ancient Israel. The biblical books of 1 and 2 Samuel detail his life and ministry. Samuel was born to Hannah, a previously barren woman who had prayed to God for a child. When Samuel was still a young boy, Hannah dedicated him to the service of the Lord at the tabernacle in Shiloh, where he began serving under the high priest Eli.