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.

Then Eli {H5941} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, Go {H3212} in peace {H7965}: and the God {H430} of Israel {H3478} grant {H5414} thee thy petition {H7596} that thou hast asked {H7592} of him.

Then 'Eli replied, "Go in peace. May the God of Isra'el grant what you have asked of him."

โ€œGo in peace,โ€ Eli replied, โ€œand may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him.โ€

Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace; and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of him.

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Samuel 1:17 (KJV)

In this pivotal moment from the Book of 1 Samuel, we find Eli, the high priest, addressing Hannah, who has been pouring out her soul in prayer at the Tabernacle in Shiloh. Hannah was deeply distressed by her barrenness and had made a solemn vow to God. Eli, initially misinterpreting her fervent, silent prayer, had confronted her, but upon understanding her profound sorrow, he offers this compassionate and prophetic response.

Context

The narrative of 1 Samuel begins with the story of Elkanah and his two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Hannah was beloved but barren, a source of great sorrow and societal shame in ancient Israel. Each year, Elkanah would go to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. It was during one of these annual pilgrimages that Hannah, in her bitter anguish, prayed with such intensity that Eli observed her, thinking she was drunk (1 Samuel 1:13). After Hannah explained her deep affliction, Eli, as the spiritual leader, offered this significant blessing, marking a turning point in her fervent petition to God.

Key Themes

  • Priestly Blessing and Authority: Eli, as the high priest of Israel, speaks with spiritual authority. His words are not merely personal well-wishes but a pronouncement of hope and divine favor. This blessing carries weight, reassuring Hannah that her prayer has been heard by God.
  • Divine Intervention and Answered Prayer: The core of Eli's statement, "the God of Israel grant thee thy petition," highlights the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and hears their earnest prayers. This verse anticipates the fulfillment of Hannah's request and the subsequent birth of Samuel. For more on God's attentiveness to prayer, consider Psalm 66:19.
  • Peace Amidst Distress: The phrase "Go in peace" is a profound blessing. In Hebrew, shalom (ืฉึธืืœื•ึนื) encompasses not just the absence of conflict but wholeness, well-being, prosperity, and a settled heart. It signifies a transition from anguish to a state of spiritual calm and trust in God's plan.
  • Faith and Expectation: Eli's words encourage Hannah to leave her burden with God and to expect His intervention. It's a call to faith, trusting that the Lord will indeed answer her prayer.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Go in peace" uses the Hebrew word shalom (ืฉึธืืœื•ึนื), which is far richer than a simple farewell. It implies a restoration of well-being, a sense of completeness, and harmony with God. It signifies a profound blessing and a hopeful assurance that God will bring about a favorable outcome. The word "petition" (Hebrew: she'elah, ืฉึฐืืึตืœึธื”) directly refers to what Hannah "has asked" (from the root sha'al, "to ask"), reinforcing the direct connection between her prayer and the expected divine response.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless encouragement for believers today. It underscores the power of persistent, heartfelt prayer, even in our deepest sorrows, knowing that God hears those who earnestly seek Him. It also reminds us of the value of seeking spiritual counsel and blessing from godly leaders, who can offer words of comfort and faith. Ultimately, it teaches us to find peace in God's sovereignty, trusting that He will act in His perfect timing and according to His divine will, just as He did for Hannah, leading to the birth of Samuel.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Mark 5:34 (10 votes)

    And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.

  • Psalms 20:3 (8 votes)

    Remember all thy offerings, and accept thy burnt sacrifice; Selah.

  • Psalms 20:5 (8 votes)

    We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up [our] banners: the LORD fulfil all thy petitions.

  • Judges 18:6 (8 votes)

    And the priest said unto them, Go in peace: before the LORD [is] your way wherein ye go.

  • 1 Samuel 25:35 (6 votes)

    So David received of her hand [that] which she had brought him, and said unto her, Go up in peace to thine house; see, I have hearkened to thy voice, and have accepted thy person.

  • 2 Kings 5:19 (6 votes)

    And he said unto him, Go in peace. So he departed from him a little way.

  • Luke 7:50 (5 votes)

    And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace.