MPV Commentary

Hannah's Prayer.

11. She prayed with intense longing for a child, revealing the deep desire that Hebrew women had for children. Hannah's prayer focused on her hope for a male child, which was motivated by her intention to dedicate him to service in the tabernacle. The circumstances of his birth would bind him to this commitment from an early age due to the Nazarite vow she planned to make.

12-18. Eli observed that Hannah had been drinking, indicating that intemperance was a problem not limited to one sex during those tumultuous times. However, Hannah's words immediately dispelled this impression as she invoked God's blessing and made a prophetic statement about the fulfillment of her desire. In light of this prophecy, Hannah's sadness lifted, replaced by confident hope for the future child.