What does 1 Samuel 1:17 Mean?

Context Summary

Here is a delightful specimen of secret fellowship with God, and its results. Many were coming and going in the Tabernacle-court. It was no place for private prayer; and this sad woman had no opportunity for audible petition, so she spake in her heart. We may all do that amid the crowds that sweep gaily past us in their light-hearted way. Let us not grow weary. "She continued praying before the Lord." People may misunderstand and reproach you. The Eli's that judge superficially may leap to hasty conclusions, but pray on! Pray on, though the prayer seem impossible of answer! Pray on, though heart and flesh fail! Pray on, for God will yet raise the poor from the dust and the beggar from the dunghill! When you have committed your cause to God, go in peace and be no more sad.

"The Lord remembered her." Of course He did. He has graven us on the palms of His hands, and the ruined walls of our peace are ever before Him. The hour will come when, like Hannah, you will stand on the very spot where the prayer was offered, to confess that God has given you the petition that you asked of Him. God cannot fail, and His gifts are sweetest and safest when they are returned to Him by His children. [source]

Chapter Summary: 1 Samuel 1

¹  Elkanah, a Levite, having two wives, worships yearly at Shiloh
⁴  He cherishes Hannah, though barren, and provoked by Peninnah
⁹  Hannah in grief prays for a child
¹²  Eli first rebuking her, afterwards blesses her
¹⁹  Hannah, having born Samuel, stays at home till he is weaned
²⁴  She presents him, according to her vow, to the Lord