“And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord.”
Context: 1 Samuel 1 tells the story of Hannah, a woman who was barren and deeply distressed because she had not been able to conceive a child. Hannah went to the tabernacle in Shiloh, where the high priest Eli was serving, and poured out her heart to the Lord, praying fervently for a child. Eli initially misunderstood her, thinking she was drunk, but when he realized her sincerity, he blessed her and assured her that God would grant her request. Hannah’s prayer was answered, and she eventually gave birth to a son named Samuel, who would become a great prophet and judge of Israel.
Persistence in Prayer: Hannah’s prayerful attitude and persistence serve as an example for us. Despite her barrenness and the challenges she faced, she remained steadfast in seeking God’s intervention. She didn’t give up but continued to pray fervently before the Lord. This teaches us the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer, trusting that God hears our cries and is able to intervene in our situations.
Recognition of God’s Sovereignty: In Hannah’s response to Eli, she acknowledges the Lord’s authority and sovereignty. By referring to Eli as “my lord” and recognizing the living soul within him, Hannah shows reverence and respect. This attitude highlights her acknowledgment that God is the ultimate authority and that she is submissive to His will. It is a reminder for us to humbly submit to God’s plans and trust in His wisdom and guidance.
Prayer as a Personal Encounter: Hannah’s statement, “I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the Lord,” highlights the personal nature of her encounter with God. She emphasizes her presence before Eli and her direct communication with the Lord. This verse emphasizes the significance of individual prayer and the personal relationship we can have with God. It encourages us to approach God in prayer, knowing that He listens and responds to our heartfelt petitions.
Faith and Expectation: Hannah’s prayer reflected her deep faith and expectation that God would answer her request. Her prayer was not mere words but an expression of her trust in God’s faithfulness and power to intervene in her life. This teaches us the importance of approaching God with faith, believing that He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). It encourages us to have faith in God’s promises and to expect Him to act in our lives.
In conclusion, 1 Samuel 1:26 in the KJV captures Hannah’s response to Eli, where she acknowledges her identity as the woman who prayed fervently to the Lord for a child. This verse teaches us about the power of persistent prayer, the recognition of God’s sovereignty, the personal nature of our relationship with God through prayer, and the importance of faith and expectation in our petitions to Him.
