Introduction
The Gospel of Luke talks briefly about a woman known as Anna the prophetess. The few words given tell us that she was old, widowed early and that she was a prayer warrior. Perhaps what he doesn’t say is revealed in what little words he does say about her. If you are intrigued by solving a mystery, Luke chapter 2 verses 36-38 will grab your attention. For me the mystery was like a treasure hunt that lead to a chest of precious gems.
As you may or may not know Luke was a gentile and a physician born in Antioch, Syria. He was not one of the 12 disciples, and never met Yeshua. Luke’s letter gives credence to him being well educated about Jewish teachings and history. The Gospel of Luke, addressed to a man named Theophilus, is written as if his task is to prove the validity of Christ. The lack of details and the details provided by Luke in chapter two leads me to believe that whoever this man was he knew Jewish history.
Anna’s Heritage
There was also a prophet named Hannah Bat-Penuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was a very old woman — she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage.
Luke 2:36
We know from above that Anna was married for 7 years. Although Anna’s husband is not revealed, her genealogy could give us a clue. Anna was from the tribe of Asher. If we read the blessing of Asher by Jacob in Deuteronomy, we discover that the tribe of Asher was more blessed of the sons. The tribe of Asher was given the western slopes and valleys of upper and lower Galilee as an inheritance; they were the 8th tribe of Israel; they were the most financially secure, and their symbol is the olive tree.
Between the scriptures, rabbinical teachings and commentaries, the evidence of the blessing is apparent. The lands given to Asher were very fertile, and they became the leading provider of olive oil in Canaan. Between the scriptures, rabbinical teachings, and commentaries, the evidence of the blessings seem to fall on the women most graciously. The women of Asher were beautiful and desired for marriage among all of the tribes. They would be the most desired among the priests of Israel. The beauty of these women went beyond their outward appearance, making them appealing to the families of the priests. Esteemed for being refined and wise with understanding the importance of the priest’s work, they married men of stature and the high priests.
We would be remis if we overlooked the significance of the names in the Hebrew culture. Anna means favor and grace. The name of her father, Phanuel, means Face of God . It’s interesting to notice that it is related to the place where Jacob wrestled with the Lord. Asher means happy and blessed.
Anna’s Destiny
And remained a widow ever since; now was eighty-four years. She never left the Temple grounds but worshipped there night and day, fasting, and praying Luke 2:37
Luke 2:37
The second temple was equivalent in size to twenty-nine American football fields. Attached to the temple o n the grounds were living quarters; royal chambers; separate courtyards for Gentiles and Jews; worship area; women’s courtyard; cleansing pools; merchant quarters, and the list goes on. I always think of the temple in relation to downtown. It was the center of everything.
Revealing that Anna never left the temple grounds, known as a prophet, and known for her prayer life, certainly gives importance to her. The leaders took the office a prophet very seriously as they are the mouth piece of God. It was so serious, that a false prophet had death as a penalty. I do not believe that Anna was a poor homeless widow on the corner, preaching for coins in a cup. No, she walked in the authority of God, honored by men, and more than likely lived in a home or room on the grounds of the temple. Tragedy struck Anna, and she stepped into her destiny to prepare the people for the announcement of the Messiah.
Anna’s Purpose
She came by at that moment and began thanking God and speaking about the child to everyone who was waiting for Jerusalem to be liberated.
Luke 2:38
In previous verses we learn that Simeon had encountered baby Yeshua and his parents at the Temple. As he took the Lord into his arms, he began to give blessings and praises to the Lord for being true to His word. God promised Simeon that he would not pass until he had seen the Messiah with his own eyes. At that moment Anna walked by, and hearing the words it confirmed what she had been praying and fasting for.
I would like to take a detour for a moment and recall to our memories Moses, who was a foreshadow of Christ. The Hebrews considered him to be the long-awaited liberator/redeemer that would lead them out of captivity. It was Serach, the daughter of Asher that would proclaim Moses {according to rabbinical teachings} to be that man God had promised. Like her ancestor before, Anna would proclaim the long-awaited liberator/redeemer Messiah had finally come.
Although it may be conjecture on my part, I would say that Simeon and Anna were the last of the prophets under the old covenant. One lived to see the promised liberating redemption of the Lord, and the other living to proclaim it.
Conclusion: Was Anna a Warrior?
Anna was most definitely a warrior as she fasted and prayed constantly. She knew God’s word, and she knew Him intimately. For 84 years she dedicated herself to knowing God and delivered the word of God to His people. She never gave up and she never gave in. Anna was a beautiful; strong; determined, and tenacious woman who walked in authority.
At a young age she became a widow, and was denied the privileges of motherhood. She took life’s tragedy and allowed God to turn it into a blessing. At the age of 105 she remained to see the hope of Israel born, and vibrant enough to run unto all the people announcing it.
Our purpose in life does not begin at a certain age, and nor does it end with age.