1 samuel 1:17 - Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.”

Generated Verse: 1 samuel 1:17

What does "1 samuel 1:17" mean?


This verse, 1 Samuel 1:17, captures a significant moment of hope and potential divine intervention. Let's break it down:

Context: Hannah is deeply distressed because she is barren. In that time, childlessness was a huge stigma and brought great sorrow. She has been praying fervently at the tabernacle (the place of worship) for a son. Eli, the high priest, observes her praying silently, with her lips moving, and mistakenly assumes she is drunk. After Hannah explains her situation, Eli responds with this verse.

"Then Eli answered, 'Go in peace...'": This is a blessing and a dismissal. Eli is essentially telling Hannah to be at ease, to stop worrying, and to leave with a sense of serenity. "Peace" here isn't just the absence of conflict; it's a feeling of wholeness, well-being, and trust in God's provision.

"...and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.'": This is the crucial part. Eli isn't just wishing Hannah well; he's invoking the power of God. He's acting as a priest, offering a prayer on her behalf. He's acknowledging her heartfelt plea and expressing hope (and perhaps even some confidence) that God will answer her prayer and give her a child. The phrase emphasizes that her request is directed to the "God of Israel," highlighting the covenant relationship and the expectation of God's faithfulness to his people.

In essence, this verse signifies:

Eli's blessing and encouragement: He is offering Hannah comfort and support after witnessing her deep anguish.
Recognition of Hannah's prayer: Eli acknowledges the validity and importance of her petition to God.
Invocation of divine intervention: He is asking (or at least hoping) that God will answer her prayer and grant her request.
A turning point: This verse represents a shift in Hannah's situation. It gives her hope and inspires her to believe that her prayer might be answered. It's a moment of faith and expectation.
Foreshadowing: It sets the stage for the next part of the story where Hannah conceives and gives birth to Samuel.

The verse is powerful because it connects Hannah's personal struggle with the power and promise of God. It highlights the importance of prayer, the role of spiritual leaders in offering comfort and guidance, and the potential for divine intervention in human affairs. It also carries weight because Eli, the high priest, is speaking on behalf of God and because of the later outcome of Hannah's prayer.

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