According to Hanna’s faith, the vow she made before God meant that her first born son, should God grant her one, was to be a Temple Priest.
The priest at the door, Eli, observed Hanna’s sobbing and her lips were trembling, but he could not hear her voice. He had perhaps never seen such devotion and heartfelt need before, so he said to her:
“Woman, how long will you make yourself drunk like this? Take the wine that is mocking you and remove it from this place.”
Hanna was shocked. “Oh, no my lord,” she responded. “Forgive me, but I have a heavy, heavy heart. Not a heart drunk with wine or strong spirits. I am pouring out my soul to the One who hears, and then He acts!”
Eli looked down from his stool near the doorstep, examining Hanna. “Go on,” he said.
“Do not consider your subject as a worthless woman. I have been praying with a broken heart since I arrived. I am crying to God out of the abundance of my sadness and a deep-rooted bitterness that springs up almost uncontrollably.”
Eli was impressed by her devotion and how she expressed her heartfelt need. He had not seen such honesty from a temple attendee for quite some time. So he said to her,
“Go in peace, and may the God of our people grant the prayer which you have asked Him.”
Hanna felt like the voice of God was trying to be heard through Eli and she replied:
“May your handmaid find grace in your sight.”
