“And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of 1 Samuel that focuses on the story of Hannah. Hannah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, and she had been barren for many years. In her distress, she went to the tabernacle in Shiloh to pour out her heart to God, seeking His intervention and blessing.
“And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight”: This is Hannah’s prayer to God after she poured out her soul before Him. She humbly asks for His favour and grace, acknowledging herself as His servant. Her plea demonstrates her faith in God’s power to grant her request and her submission to His will.
This statement also reveals Hannah’s trust in God’s mercy and His ability to intervene in her situation. It is a reminder that we can bring our deepest desires, struggles, and requests before God and find grace and mercy in His presence.
“So the woman went her way, and did eat”: After pouring out her heart in prayer and entrusting her situation to God, Hannah left the tabernacle. This action indicates her faith and confidence that God had heard her prayer and would answer it according to His will. She did not allow her sadness or despair to consume her any longer but chose to trust in God’s faithfulness.
“And her countenance was no more sad”: This phrase describes the change in Hannah’s countenance or facial expression. Previously, she had been sad and distressed due to her barrenness and the ridicule she faced from her husband’s other wife, Peninnah. However, after seeking God and expressing her heartfelt prayer, Hannah’s sadness was lifted, and she found peace and contentment.
This transformation in Hannah’s countenance highlights the power of prayer and the effect it can have on our emotional well-being. It teaches us that when we bring our burdens before God and trust in His providence, He can bring healing and comfort to our hearts.
Overall, 1 Samuel 1:18 showcases Hannah’s deep faith, humility, and her reliance on God’s grace. It encourages us to approach God with our needs and desires, knowing that He is attentive to our prayers and capable of bringing about transformation in our lives. Additionally, it reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s timing and finding peace and contentment in His presence.
