Hannah humbly reminds Eli that her fervent prayer has been answered, demonstrating God’s faithfulness to those who seek Him.
She said, “Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD” (v.26). In this scene, Hannah respectfully addresses Eli, the high priest of Israel. Hannah lived during the 11th century BC, a crucial era when Israel’s priesthood ministered at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Shiloh was located in the hill country of Ephraim, northeast of the later-established city of Jerusalem. By calling him “my lord,” Hannah demonstrates reverence for Eli’s role as God’s representative, yet she also stands as a firm witness of how fervent prayer can lead to divine response.
When Hannah says, “I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD” (v.26), she is reminding Eli that she once came to this sacred place in great distress, pouring out her soul with unshakable faith. She had prayed earnestly for a child, and the LORD answered by granting her the son she so desperately longed for. This moment underscores the power of individual devotion and heartfelt petition before God—an emphasis seen again later in Scripture, such as when Jesus teaches persistence and faith in prayer (Luke 18:1-8).
Hannah’s words also highlight her deep honor toward God and His chosen priesthood. By appealing to Eli’s memory, she humbly yet boldly proclaims the incredible outcome of her petition. This verse foreshadows the reality that God listens to the cries of His people and often raises up key figures, like Samuel, to guide His plan of salvation. In the broader biblical narrative, Hannah’s faith-filled devotion parallels the faith of believers who would come centuries later to trust in Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 7:28).
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1 Samuel 1:26 meaning
She said, “Oh, my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD” (v.26). In this scene, Hannah respectfully addresses Eli, the high priest of Israel. Hannah lived during the 11th century BC, a crucial era when Israel’s priesthood ministered at the tabernacle in Shiloh. Shiloh was located in the hill country of Ephraim, northeast of the later-established city of Jerusalem. By calling him “my lord,” Hannah demonstrates reverence for Eli’s role as God’s representative, yet she also stands as a firm witness of how fervent prayer can lead to divine response.
When Hannah says, “I am the woman who stood here beside you, praying to the LORD” (v.26), she is reminding Eli that she once came to this sacred place in great distress, pouring out her soul with unshakable faith. She had prayed earnestly for a child, and the LORD answered by granting her the son she so desperately longed for. This moment underscores the power of individual devotion and heartfelt petition before God—an emphasis seen again later in Scripture, such as when Jesus teaches persistence and faith in prayer (Luke 18:1-8).
Hannah’s words also highlight her deep honor toward God and His chosen priesthood. By appealing to Eli’s memory, she humbly yet boldly proclaims the incredible outcome of her petition. This verse foreshadows the reality that God listens to the cries of His people and often raises up key figures, like Samuel, to guide His plan of salvation. In the broader biblical narrative, Hannah’s faith-filled devotion parallels the faith of believers who would come centuries later to trust in Jesus Christ, the ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 7:28).