“Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.”
Samuel 1:17 is part of the narrative about Hannah, a woman who was barren and deeply distressed because of her inability to conceive. In her anguish, she went to the tabernacle in Shiloh to pray fervently to God for a child. This verse captures the response of Eli, the priest, to Hannah’s prayer.
Context:Before analyzing this verse, it is essential to understand the context. In the previous verses, Hannah was praying silently, pouring out her heart to God, and making a vow to dedicate her child to Him if her prayer was answered. Eli observed her prayer and initially thought she was drunk. However, upon hearing her explanation, he responded with these words.
Eli’s response:Eli, the high priest at the time, had a significant role in the spiritual life of Israel. In this verse, he acknowledges Hannah’s prayer and blesses her with a reassuring message: “Go in peace.” This response shows Eli’s recognition of Hannah’s sincerity and his blessing upon her. He encourages her to depart from the tabernacle with a sense of peace and confidence.
God’s grant of petition:Eli further says, “and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.” This statement conveys Eli’s faith in God’s ability to answer Hannah’s prayer. He assures her that God will grant her request, affirming her desire for a child. Eli recognizes that the outcome of Hannah’s prayer ultimately rests in the hands of the God of Israel:
Eli’s words remind us that God is the one who grants petitions.
- Persistence in prayer:Hannah’s example teaches us the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer. She sought God diligently, pouring out her soul before Him. We can learn from her perseverance and come before God with our own heartfelt prayers, trusting in His faithfulness to answer.
- God’s sovereignty:Eli’s words remind us that God is the one who grants petitions:While we may have desires and requests, it is God’s prerogative to answer in His wisdom and timing. We should trust in His sovereignty and have faith that He knows what is best for us.
- Encouragement in the midst of distress:Eli’s blessing and encouragement to Hannah in her distress serve as a reminder of the role we can play in supporting and comforting others. We should strive to be sources of encouragement, offering words of peace, reassurance, and blessings to those who are struggling.
1 Samuel 1:17 reflects a pivotal moment in Hannah’s story, offering encouragement and hope to those who seek God with sincere hearts. It reminds us of the power of prayer, the sovereignty of God:and the significance of offering support to those in distress.
