Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; for all this time I have been praying out of the depth of my anguish and grief." Do not takeThis phrase is a plea from Hannah, expressing her desire not to be misunderstood. The Hebrew root here is "תִּתֵּן" (titten), which means "to give" or "to place." In this context, it conveys the idea of not assigning or attributing a false identity to her. Hannah is earnestly asking Eli, the priest, not to misjudge her character based on her outward appearance or actions. your servant
The term "servant" is translated from the Hebrew word "אֲמָתֶךָ" (amatecha), which denotes humility and submission. Hannah refers to herself as a servant, acknowledging her position before Eli and, more importantly, before God. This reflects her humility and her recognition of her dependence on God's mercy and grace. for a wicked woman
The Hebrew word for "wicked" is "בַּת בְּלִיַּעַל" (bat beliyaal), which literally means "daughter of worthlessness." In ancient Israel, this term was used to describe someone who was morally corrupt or rebellious against God. Hannah is defending her integrity, emphasizing that her actions are not those of a sinful or rebellious person, but rather of someone deeply troubled and seeking divine intervention. for I have been praying
The act of praying is central to this verse. The Hebrew verb "שָׁפַכְתִּי" (shafakti) means "to pour out," indicating that Hannah is pouring out her soul before the Lord. This imagery of pouring out suggests a complete and unreserved expression of her innermost feelings and desires, highlighting the depth and sincerity of her prayer. here
The word "here" signifies the specific location where Hannah is praying, which is the tabernacle at Shiloh. This place was the central sanctuary for Israel at the time, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. It underscores the significance of her prayer being offered in a sacred space, emphasizing her devotion and the seriousness of her petition. out of my great anguish
The phrase "great anguish" is translated from the Hebrew "רֹב שִׂיחִי" (rov sichi), which conveys intense emotional distress. Hannah's anguish is not just a fleeting emotion but a profound and overwhelming burden. This highlights the depth of her suffering and the earnestness of her plea to God. and grief
The word "grief" comes from the Hebrew "כַּעַס" (kaas), which can also mean vexation or provocation. Hannah's grief is compounded by her barrenness and the provocation she endures from Peninnah, her husband's other wife. This dual source of sorrow underscores the intensity of her emotional state and her desperate need for God's intervention. Persons / Places / Events 1. HannahA devout woman of faith, deeply distressed due to her barrenness, who fervently prays to the Lord for a child. 2. EliThe high priest at Shiloh who initially misunderstands Hannah's silent prayer as drunkenness. 3. ShilohThe religious center where the Ark of the Covenant was located, and where Hannah went to pray. 4. PeninnahHannah's rival, who provoked her because the Lord had closed Hannah's womb. 5. ElkanahHannah's husband, who loves her dearly despite her inability to bear children. Teaching Points The Power of Persistent PrayerHannah's account teaches us the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer, even when misunderstood by others. God Hears the BrokenheartedDespite her anguish, Hannah's faith in God's ability to hear and respond to her cries is a testament to His compassion. Misunderstandings in FaithEli's initial misjudgment of Hannah reminds us to be cautious in our assessments of others' spiritual expressions. Faith Amidst ProvocationHannah's response to Peninnah's provocations shows the strength of character and reliance on God rather than retaliation. Vows and CommitmentsHannah's vow to dedicate her son to the Lord if He answered her prayer highlights the seriousness of making commitments to God. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Hannah's approach to prayer in 1 Samuel 1:16 inspire you to handle your own times of distress? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we do not misjudge others' expressions of faith, as Eli did with Hannah? 3. How can Hannah's perseverance in prayer encourage us in our own spiritual journeys, especially when facing prolonged challenges? 4. What lessons can we learn from Hannah's response to Peninnah's provocations, and how can we apply these lessons in our relationships? 5. How does Hannah's vow to God challenge us to consider the seriousness of our own commitments and promises to Him? Connections to Other Scriptures Philippians 4:6-7This passage encourages believers to present their requests to God through prayer and supplication, similar to Hannah's approach. James 5:16Highlights the power of fervent prayer, as demonstrated by Hannah's earnest supplication. Psalm 34:17-18Speaks of the Lord's nearness to the brokenhearted, reflecting God's response to Hannah's distress. Luke 18:1-8The parable of the persistent widow, which parallels Hannah's perseverance in prayer. Hebrews 4:15-16Encourages believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, as Hannah did. People Eli, Elihu, Elkanah, Ephah, Hannah, Hophni, Jeroham, Peninnah, Phinehas, Samuel, Tohu, ZuphPlaces Ramah, Ramathaim-zophim, ShilohTopics Abundance, Along, Anguish, Anxiety, Base, Belial, Complaint, Concern, Consider, Count, Daughter, Good-for-nothing, Grief, Handmaid, Hitherto, Maidservant, Meditation, Pain, Praying, Provocation, Regard, Servant, Sorrow, Speaking, Spoken, Stored-up, Vexation, Wicked, Worthless, WorthlessnessDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 1:16 5782 agony
5831 depression
5952 sorrow 1 Samuel 1:1-20 5225 barrenness
5733 pregnancy 1 Samuel 1:6-16 5559 stress 1 Samuel 1:9-18 8830 suspicion 1 Samuel 1:9-20 5744 wife 1 Samuel 1:9-28 5745 women 1 Samuel 1:10-20 8614 prayer, answers 1 Samuel 1:11-20 5468 promises, human 1 Samuel 1:12-16 8653 importunity, to God 1 Samuel 1:16-18 5173 outward appearance Library Of Self-Annihilation
Of Self-Annihilation Supplication and sacrifice are comprehended in prayer, which, according to S. John, is "an incense, the smoke whereof ascendeth unto God;" therefore it is said in the Apocalypse that "unto the Angel was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all Saints'' (Chap. viii. 3). Prayer is the effusion of the heart in the Presence of God: "I have poured out my soul before God" saith the mother of Samuel. (1 Sam. i. 15) The prayer of the wise men at the feet of …
Madame Guyon—A Short and Easy Method of PrayerPrayer and Sacrifice Explained by the Similitude of a Perfume --Our Annihilation in this Sacrifice --Solidity and Fruitfulness of this Prayer as Set Forth in The
Prayer ought to be both petition and sacrifice. Prayer, according to the testimony of St John, is an incense, whose perfume rises to God. Therefore it is said in the Revelation (chap. viii. 3), that an angel held a censer, which contained the incense of the prayers of saints. Prayer is an outpouring of the heart in the presence of God. "I have poured out my soul before the Lord," said the mother of Samuel (1 Sam. i. 15). Thus the prayers of the Magi at the feet of the infant Jesus in the stable of …
Jeanne Marie Bouvières—A Short Method Of Prayer And Spiritual Torrents Home Dedication.
"The rose was rich in bloom on Sharon's plain, When a young mother with her first born thence Went up to Zion, for the boy was vowed Unto the Temple-service; by the hand She led him, and her silent soul, the while, Oft as the dewy laughter of his eye Met her sweet serious glance, rejoiced to think That aught so pure, so beautiful, was hers, To bring before her God!" Beautiful thought, and thrice beautiful deed,--fresh from the pure fount of maternal piety! The Hebrew mother consecrating her first-born …
Samuel Philips—The Christian Home John Newton 1Sam 1:10,18
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John Newton—Olney Hymns Hwochow Women's Bible Training School
COURSE OF STUDY FIRST TERM Book of Genesis. Gospel according to St. Luke or St. Mark. Acts of the Apostles, chapters i. to ix. "A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible." Reading Lessons, with necessary Explanation and Writing of Chinese Character. Arithmetic. Singing and Memorisation of Hymns. SECOND TERM Book of Exodus, Numbers, and 1 Samuel i. to xvi. The Gospel according to St. John. The Epistle of St James. "A Synopsis of the Central Themes of the Holy Bible"--(continued). Reading …
A. Mildred Cable—The Fulfilment of a Dream of Pastor Hsi's The Love of the Holy Spirit in Us.
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not."--Matt. xxvii. 37. The Scripture teaches not only that the Holy Spirit dwells in us, and with Him Love, but also that He sheds abroad that Love in our hearts. This shedding abroad does not refer to the coming of the Holy Spirit's Person, for a person can not be shed abroad. He comes, takes possession, and dwells in us; but that which is shed abroad …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Prophet Jonah.
It has been asserted without any sufficient reason, that Jonah is older than Hosea, Joel, Amos, and Obadiah,--that he is the oldest among the prophets whose written monuments have been preserved to us. The passage in 2 Kings xiv. 25, where it is said, that Jonah, the son of Amittai the prophet, prophesied to Jeroboam the happy success of his arms, and the restoration of the ancient boundaries of Israel, and that this prophecy was confirmed by the event, cannot decide in favour of this assertion, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament And V the Kingdom Undivided and the Kingdom Divided
THE HISTORICAL BOOKS: I and II Samuel. I and II Kings. I and II Chronicles. NOTE.--As these three pairs of books are so closely related in their historical contents, it is deemed best to study them together, though they overlap the two divisions of IV and V. I. CHARTS Chart A. General Contents +--+ " I AND II SAMUEL " +-------------+-----+------+ "Samuel "Saul "David " +-------------+-----+------+----------+ " " " " I AND II KINGS "NOTE.--Biblical …
Frank Nelson Palmer—A Bird's-Eye View of the Bible Divers Matters.
I. Beth-cerem, Nehemiah 3:14. "The stones, as well of the altar, as of the ascent to the altar, were from the valley of Beth-cerem, which they digged out beneath the barren land. And thence they are wont to bring whole stones, upon which the working iron came not." The fathers of the traditions, treating concerning the blood of women's terms, reckon up five colours of it; among which that, "which is like the water of the earth, out of the valley of Beth-cerem."--Where the Gloss writes thus, "Beth-cerem …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica Ramah. Ramathaim Zophim. Gibeah.
There was a certain Ramah, in the tribe of Benjamin, Joshua 18:25, and that within sight of Jerusalem, as it seems, Judges 19:13; where it is named with Gibeah:--and elsewhere, Hosea 5:8; which towns were not much distant. See 1 Samuel 22:6; "Saul sat in Gibeah, under a grove in Ramah." Here the Gemarists trifle: "Whence is it (say they) that Ramah is placed near Gibea? To hint to you, that the speech of Samuel of Ramah was the cause, why Saul remained two years and a half in Gibeah." They blindly …
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica The King --Continued.
The years thus well begun are, in the historical books, characterized mainly by three events, namely, the bringing up of the ark to the newly won city of David, Nathan's prophecy of the perpetual dominion of his house, and his victories over the surrounding nations. These three hinges of the narrative are all abundantly illustrated in the psalms. As to the first, we have relics of the joyful ceremonial connected with it in two psalms, the fifteenth and twenty-fourth, which are singularly alike not …
Alexander Maclaren—The Life of David Nature of Covenanting.
A covenant is a mutual voluntary compact between two parties on given terms or conditions. It may be made between superiors and inferiors, or between equals. The sentiment that a covenant can be made only between parties respectively independent of one another is inconsistent with the testimony of Scripture. Parties to covenants in a great variety of relative circumstances, are there introduced. There, covenant relations among men are represented as obtaining not merely between nation and nation, …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
OR, A DISCOURSE TOUCHING PRAYER; WHEREIN IS BRIEFLY DISCOVERED, 1. WHAT PRAYER IS. 2. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT. 3. WHAT IT IS TO PRAY WITH THE SPIRIT AND WITH THE UNDERSTANDING ALSO. WRITTEN IN PRISON, 1662. PUBLISHED, 1663. "For we know not what we should pray for as we ought:--the Spirit--helpeth our infirmities" (Rom 8:26). ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. There is no subject of more solemn importance to human happiness than prayer. It is the only medium of intercourse with heaven. "It is …
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3 Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links 1 Samuel 1:16 NIV1 Samuel 1:16 NLT1 Samuel 1:16 ESV1 Samuel 1:16 NASB1 Samuel 1:16 KJV
1 Samuel 1:16 Commentaries
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