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Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 1 - Verse 26

1:26
And she said, Oh my lord, as thy soul liveth, my lord, I am the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.

Meaning

In this verse, the woman speaking is identifying herself to the prophet, Samuel. She emphasizes her presence during a crucial moment in prayer, highlighting her dedication and sincerity. By referring to Samuel as "my lord" and acknowledging the power of the Lord, she demonstrates her respect and humility. The phrase "as thy soul liveth" signifies the intensity of her words, emphasizing the earnestness of her plea. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of persistence in prayer and the significance of approaching God with reverence and faith. It also showcases the woman's courage and determination to seek help from the prophet and ultimately, from the Lord. Her words exemplify a deep sense of faith and trust in God's power to intervene in her situation. Overall, this verse captures the essence of sincere supplication and unwavering belief in the power of prayer.

Theological Overview

In this verse from 1 Samuel 1:26, we see Hannah speaking to Eli, the priest, after pouring out her heart to the Lord in prayer. The phrase "as thy soul liveth" is a common oath formula used in biblical times to emphasize the truthfulness and sincerity of one's statement. By using this expression, Hannah is affirming the seriousness of her declaration to Eli. She refers to Eli as "my lord," a term of respect and honor, as she acknowledges his position of authority. Hannah identifies herself as the woman who had been fervently praying before the Lord, revealing her deep desire for a child. This interaction between Hannah and Eli serves as a reminder of the power of prayer and faith in God's ability to answer heartfelt petitions. Through Hannah's story, we are encouraged to approach the Lord with boldness and trust, knowing that He hears our cries and is attentive to our needs.

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