Understanding 1 Samuel 1:17

Verse: 1 Samuel 1:17 - "Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him."

Summary of Meaning

This verse captures a moment of significant interaction between Hannah and Eli. After Hannah expresses her heartfelt plea to God for a child, Eli, the priest, responds, offering Hannah a blessing. His words emphasize the importance of faith and the power of divine intervention in response to earnest prayer.

Insights from Public Domain Commentaries

• Matthew Henry: Henry highlights the shift from Hannah's distress to a sense of peace following Eli's blessing. He notes that this moment marks a turning point in her life, illustrating the role of a spiritual leader who intercedes for others. Eli's articulated prayer speaks to the broader theme of communal prayer and seeking God's will.

• Albert Barnes: Barnes expands on Eli's response as a prophetic declaration. He emphasizes the authority Eli holds as a priest, offering assurance that God hears and answers prayers. There is a sense of hope instilled in this response, as it suggests God is attentive and willing to grant Hannah's request when approached with faith.

• Adam Clarke: Clarke focuses on the cultural context of this passage, noting that Eli's response was more than a mere blessing; it is reflected as a commitment to prayer on Hannah's behalf. Clarke suggests that the phrase "Go in peace" indicates a shift from doubt to trust, encouraging individuals to remain steadfast in their supplications.

Bible Cross-References

• 1 Samuel 1:27 - Hannah acknowledges God's answer to her prayer.
• 1 Kings 8:28-30 - Similar themes of prayer and divine response in Solomon's dedication of the temple.
• James 5:16 - Encouragement on the power of earnest prayer.
• John 14:13-14 - Jesus teaches about asking in His name.
• Philippians 4:6-7 - Encouragement to present requests to God, with peace as a result.
• Psalm 37:4 - Assurance that God will grant the desires of the heart when aligned with His will.
• Luke 1:13 - Angelic assurance to Zechariah about answered prayers.

Thematic Connections

This verse also speaks to several broader themes within Scripture:

• Faith in Prayer: The faith demonstrated by Hannah and affirmed by Eli is a theme that recurs throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
• Divine Promise: The outcomes of earnest prayers, as represented in this verse, align with God's consistent promise of responsiveness to His faithful followers.
• Intercession: Eli's role is reminiscent of a prophetic intercessor, paralleling the later role of Christ as our mediator.
• Peace Following Prayer: The concept that true peace often follows sincere prayer can be explored throughout the Bible.

Tools for Bible Cross-Referencing

In studying verses like 1 Samuel 1:17, various tools and methods can enhance understanding and depth:

• Bible concordance provides a way to locate related verses.
• A Bible cross-reference guide can help connect themes and teachings across scriptures.
• Engaging in a cross-reference Bible study allows for a comparative analysis of similar scripture.
• Using a Bible reference resource can streamline the process of identifying interconnected verses.

Conclusion

1 Samuel 1:17 is rich in meaning and significance. It invites readers to explore the interrelationship of prayer, faith, and divine assurance. Through established cross-references and thematic connections, one can gain a comprehensive understanding of how this verse fits within the larger narrative of Scripture.