What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 1:17? Go in peace Hannah has poured out her soul, and Eli’s first words give her immediate assurance. • “Peace” (Hebrew shalom) means wholeness and well–being, not merely absence of conflict (Numbers 6:26; John 14:27). • The phrase releases her from anxiety, echoing scenes where God’s servants are dismissed with confidence after divine encounters (Judges 18:6; Luke 7:50). • Hannah’s tears turn to trust because God’s peace is a gift that guards hearts (Philippians 4:7). Eli replied The priest who had earlier misunderstood Hannah now speaks as God’s appointed mediator. • Though Eli’s personal failures will later surface (1 Samuel 2:29–34), at this moment he fulfills his priestly role (Hebrews 5:1). • His reply signals that God often uses imperfect people to deliver perfect words (Numbers 22:38; Malachi 2:7). • Hannah receives the reply as authoritative, a reminder that God still works through established spiritual leadership (Romans 13:1). and may the God of Israel grant Eli shifts from dismissal to intercession, appealing to the covenant-keeping LORD. • “God of Israel” recalls His historic faithfulness—from Abraham’s promise (Genesis 17:7) to Israel’s deliverance (Exodus 3:15). • Granting requests is rooted in divine character: “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me” (Psalm 138:8). • By invoking God’s name, Eli anchors Hannah’s hope in the One who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask” (Ephesians 3:20). the petition The word points to a specific, heartfelt plea—a son. • Scripture celebrates bold, focused petitions: Solomon’s request for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9); Hezekiah’s plea for life (2 Kings 20:2-5). • God invites detailed requests, not vague wishes (Philippians 4:6; 1 Peter 5:7). • Hannah’s petition mirrors the principle that fervent, righteous prayer is powerful (James 5:16). you have asked of Him The blessing ends by spotlighting Hannah’s direct relationship with God. • Prayer is personal conversation: “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3). • Asking “of Him” acknowledges God alone as source; no other intermediary suffices (Psalm 121:1-2). • Jesus later echoes this pattern: “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do” (John 14:13), underlining the timeless link between asking and receiving (Matthew 7:7-8). summary Eli’s brief benediction turns Hannah’s sorrow into expectancy. “Go in peace” releases anxiety; “the God of Israel” grounds hope in covenant faithfulness; “grant the petition you have asked of Him” affirms that heartfelt, specific prayer reaches a willing, powerful Father. The verse teaches that God’s people can leave the place of prayer with calm confidence, trusting the Lord to answer according to His perfect compassion and power. |
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