He reproved her saying, "How long wilt thou be drunken? Put away thy
wine from thee." But Hannah had not drunk wine. She answered Eli, "No,
my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine
nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord." Then
Eli bade her "Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant thee thy
petition that thou hast asked of Him."
Hannah left the Tabernacle. Her face was no longer sad. She believed
God had heard her prayer; and He had done so. In due time a son was
given her, whom she named Samuel. Samuel means _Heard of God_, which
name Hannah gave him in remembrance of God's goodness in hearing her
prayer.
[Illustration: HANNAH PRAYING BEFORE THE LORD.]
ELI AND SAMUEL.
Elkanah went up to Shiloh yearly to offer sacrifice: and when Samuel
was old enough, Hannah went with her husband and took her little boy
with her. They came to Eli the high priest, and Hannah said: "Oh, my
Lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here praying. For this child I
prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition. Therefore also have I
given him to the Lord." Then she left Samuel with Eli.
Samuel assisted Eli in the Tabernacle service, and wore a linen ephod
like a priest. His mother came yearly to see him, when she accompanied
Elkanah to the sacrifice at Shiloh, and each time brought with her a
little coat, which she had made for her son.
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