Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I poured out my soul before the LORD. Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman; for I have been speaking out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.” She said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate; and her facial expression wasn’t sad any more.1 Samuel 1:15–18 · World English Bible
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1 Samuel 1:12–18
As she continued praying before the LORD, Eli saw her mouth. Now Hannah spoke in her heart. Only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Get rid of your wine!” Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have not been drinking wine or strong drink, but I poured out my soul before the LORD. Don’t consider your servant a wicked woman; for I have been speaking out of the abundance of my complaint and my provocation.” Then Eli answered, “Go in peace; and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.” She said, “Let your servant find favor in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate; and her facial expression wasn’t sad any more.
Context note · editorial
Hannah explains that her intense prayer comes from deep grief, not drunkenness. Her sorrow is heard with dignity before the story's outcome is known.
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