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The Beginning of the End
Hannah did not accuse anyone. She went to God with the burden
she could not share with any earthly friend. She pleaded earnestly
that He would grant her the gift of a son to train for Him, and she
made a vow that if her request were granted she would dedicate her
child to God from his birth.
Hannah came near the entrance of the tabernacle and in the
distress of her spirit “prayed ... and wept in anguish.” In those evil
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times, such scenes of worship were rare. Eli the high priest, watching
Hannah, supposed that she was overcome with wine. Thinking he
should give her a well-deserved scolding, he said sternly, “How long
will you be drunk? Put your wine away from you!”
Startled and hurt, Hannah answered gently, “No, my lord, I am a
woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating
drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Do not consider
your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the abundance of my
complaint and grief I have spoken until now.”
The high priest was deeply moved, for he was a man of God. So
instead of rebuke he spoke a blessing: “Go in peace, and the God of
Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him.”
Hannah Gives Samuel to God
Hannah received the gift that she had earnestly asked for. As
she looked on the child, she called him Samuel—“asked of God.”
As soon as the little one was old enough to be separated from his
mother, she fulfilled her vow. He was her only son, the special gift
of Heaven; but she had received him as a treasure belonging to God,
and she would not withhold from the Giver what was His own.
Hannah went with her husband to Shiloh and presented her pre-
cious gift to the priest, saying, “For this child I prayed, and the
Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I
also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent
to the Lord.” Eli, who was too lenient a father himself, was awed
and humbled as he saw this mother’s great sacrifice in parting with
her only child so that she might devote him to the service of God.
He felt condemned for his own selfish love, and in humiliation and
reverence bowed before the Lord and worshiped. Hannah’s heart