“And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.”
Context:In the preceding verses, Hannah is depicted as a woman who longs for a child. She is married to Elkanah, who has another wife named Peninnah, who has children. Peninnah taunts Hannah because she is childless, which causes Hannah great distress. In her anguish, Hannah goes to the tabernacle in Shiloh, where the priest Eli is present. There, she pours out her heart to God, praying fervently for a child.
Eli’s response:In 1 Samuel 1:14, we see Eli, the priest, observing Hannah as she prays. However, due to her deep anguish and intense emotion, her lips are moving silently, and no sound is coming out. Seeing this, Eli mistakenly assumes that Hannah is drunk and rebukes her, saying, “How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee.”
Eli’s response reveals that he misunderstood Hannah’s spiritual state. Instead of recognizing her deep distress and devotion to God, he jumps to a conclusion based on external appearances. It is important to note that in this cultural context, drinking to excess was considered sinful, and Eli, as a priest, may have been particularly sensitive to such behaviour.
Hannah’s response:In the subsequent verses, Hannah respectfully explains her situation to Eli, clarifying that she is not intoxicated but rather pouring out her soul before God in desperate prayer. She shares her deep desire for a child and vows to dedicate her child to the service of God if her prayer is answered. Eli then blesses Hannah and assures her that her request will be granted.
Lessons and Applications:
- The importance of understanding and empathy:Eli’s hasty judgment of Hannah serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving. We should strive to be understanding and empathetic, seeking to discern the true heart and intentions of others rather than making snap judgments based on external observations.
- Pouring out our hearts to God:Hannah’s example teaches us the significance of bringing our deepest desires, concerns, and pain before God. She demonstrates that we can approach God honestly and fervently, sharing our innermost thoughts and feelings. God invites us to cast our burdens upon Him and find solace in His presence.
- The power of persevering prayer:Hannah’s persistent and heartfelt prayer is eventually answered, as she conceives and gives birth to Samuel. This highlights the power of prayer and God’s faithfulness to those who seek Him diligently. It encourages us to continue praying, even in times of waiting and uncertainty, knowing that God hears and responds according to His perfect timing and plan.
- Commitment and dedication to God:Hannah’s vow to dedicate her child to God’s service is an example of her deep devotion and gratitude. It reminds us of the importance of consecrating ourselves and our loved ones to God, recognizing that all blessings ultimately come from Him. We can express our gratitude and dedication to God by using our lives and gifts for His purposes.
In summary, 1 Samuel 1:14 presents a pivotal moment in Hannah’s story, showcasing her sincere and fervent prayer. Eli’s misunderstanding and Hannah’s response provide valuable lessons on empathy, pouring out our hearts to God, the power of persevering prayer, and commitment to God’s service.
