“Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.”
Historical and Contextual Background:1 Samuel is a book of the Old Testament that provides an account of the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. The story centers around Samuel, the last judge of Israel, and the prophet who anoints the first two kings of Israel: Saul and David.
In 1 Samuel 1, we are introduced to a woman named Hannah, who was one of the two wives of a man named Elkanah. Hannah was barren and deeply distressed because of her inability to conceive. Every year, the family would go to the tabernacle in Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices.
Verse Analysis:
“Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto.”
- “Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial”: In this phrase, Hannah is asking Eli, the high priest, not to regard her as a wicked woman or a worthless daughter of Belial. “Belial” is often used in the Old Testament as a term for wickedness or worthlessness. Hannah pleads with Eli not to judge her character based on her outward appearance or the distress she was experiencing.
- “For out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto”: Hannah explains the reason behind her intense prayer and the emotions she expressed before the Lord. She had poured out her complaint and grief to God, expressing her deep longing for a child. This phrase emphasizes that Hannah’s prayer was heartfelt, genuine, and born out of her pain and anguish.
Key Themes and Lessons:
- Faith in God’s Sovereignty: Hannah’s prayer demonstrates her faith in God’s power and authority. Despite her barrenness and the cultural stigma associated with it, Hannah turned to God with her petition. She acknowledged God’s ability to bring about change in her situation and trusted in His sovereignty.
- Perseverance in Prayer: Hannah’s persistent prayer serves as an example of the importance of perseverance in seeking God. She did not give up but continued to bring her request before the Lord year after year. Her commitment to prayer illustrates the value of persistence and not losing hope in the face of challenges.
- Honesty and Authenticity in Prayer: Hannah’s prayer was marked by transparency and honesty before God. She poured out her soul and expressed her genuine emotions, not holding anything back. This teaches us that we can approach God with our deepest pains, fears, and desires, knowing that He listens and cares for us.
