1 Samuel 1:9

KJV

¶ So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

So Hannah {H2584} rose up {H6965} after {H310} they had eaten {H398} in Shiloh {H7887}, and after {H310} they had drunk {H8354}. Now Eli {H5941} the priest {H3548} sat {H3427} upon a seat {H3678} by a post {H4201} of the temple {H1964} of the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So Hannah got up after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. 'Eli the cohen was sitting on his seat by the doorpost of the temple of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

So after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh, Hannah stood up. Now Eli the priest was sitting on a chair by the doorpost of the temple of the LORD.

American Standard Version

So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest was sitting upon his seat by the door-post of the temple of Jehovah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 1:9 marks a pivotal moment in Hannah's story, transitioning from the communal celebration of the annual feast at Shiloh to her deeply personal and anguished encounter with God. After the family meal, Hannah rises, burdened by her barrenness and the constant provocation of Peninnah, to pour out her soul in fervent prayer. At this crucial juncture, Eli, the high priest, is seated by a post of the Tabernacle, observing the sacred space and unknowingly about to become an instrument in Hannah's divine encounter.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the description of Elkanah's annual pilgrimage to Shiloh with his two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. The preceding verses (1 Samuel 1:1-8) vividly portray Hannah's deep distress due to her barrenness and Peninnah's cruel taunts, even amidst the festive atmosphere of the sacrificial meal. Elkanah's attempts to comfort Hannah, emphasizing his love for her, fall short of addressing her profound spiritual longing. Verse 9 thus serves as a critical turning point, as Hannah, unable to find solace in the meal, takes decisive action to seek divine intervention, moving from the domestic sphere of family dynamics to the sacred space of the Tabernacle for a direct appeal to the Lord.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Shiloh was the central sanctuary for Israel during the period of the Judges, prior to the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. It housed the Tabernacle, often referred to as the "temple of the LORD" (Hebrew: _heikal YHWH_), which contained the Ark of the Covenant and served as the primary place of worship and sacrifice for the nation. Families like Elkanah's made annual pilgrimages to this site, fulfilling vows and offering sacrifices as prescribed by the Mosaic Law. Eli, as the high priest, held the highest spiritual authority in Israel, responsible for overseeing the sacrificial system and mediating between God and the people. His presence "by a post of the temple" signifies his official capacity and continuous presence within the sacred precinct, highlighting the established religious framework within which Hannah's deeply personal and desperate prayer would unfold. The cultural imperative for women to bear children, especially sons, made barrenness a source of immense social shame and personal sorrow, intensifying Hannah's plight.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within 1 Samuel and the broader biblical narrative. It underscores the theme of **profound sorrow leading to fervent prayer**, as Hannah's deep anguish over her barrenness becomes the catalyst for her direct, desperate appeal to God, demonstrating how personal suffering can drive individuals to seek divine intervention (cf. [Psalm 50:15](/psalms/50-15 "Psalm 50:15 - Call Upon Me in the Day of Trouble")). The setting in Shiloh emphasizes the **significance of sacred space** as a designated place for encountering God's presence, where prayers and sacrifices are received, and where the divine presence is uniquely accessible (cf. [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Sanctuary")). Furthermore, Eli's presence introduces the theme of **divine observation and human interaction**, as his eventual encounter with Hannah, prompted by his observation of her distress, leads to a significant prophetic word and comfort, showcasing the role of spiritual leadership in guiding and encouraging the faithful within the context of communal worship (cf. [Malachi 2:7](/malachi/2-7 "Malachi 2:7 - The Priest's Lips Should Preserve Knowledge")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shiloh (שִׁלֹה, _Shiloh_):** This was the central sanctuary of Israel during the period of the Judges, serving as the primary location for the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant before the Temple was built in Jerusalem. Its mention grounds the narrative in a specific, highly significant sacred space, emphasizing the legitimate and established religious context of Hannah's actions. It signifies the place where God's presence was believed to dwell among His people.
* **temple (הֵיכָל, _heikal_):** While the permanent stone Temple in Jerusalem was not yet built, the Hebrew word _heikal_ (often translated "palace" or "temple") is used here to refer to the Tabernacle. This usage elevates the Tabernacle beyond a mere tent, implying a grand, significant, and sacred edifice that functioned as God's dwelling place and the center of Israelite worship. It underscores the reverence and importance attributed to this portable sanctuary, highlighting its divine purpose as the primary locus of encounter between God and His people.
* **post (מְזוּזָה, _mezuzah_):** This term refers to a doorpost or gatepost. Eli's position "by a post of the temple" suggests a fixed, perhaps official, location within the Tabernacle precinct. It implies his role as an overseer or guardian of the sacred space, positioned to observe those entering or departing, or perhaps simply a customary place for the high priest to sit during periods of worship. This detail subtly emphasizes Eli's official capacity and his presence within the very heart of Israelite worship.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk."**: This clause marks a decisive shift from the communal, celebratory atmosphere of the annual feast to Hannah's individual, purposeful action. Despite the feasting, Hannah's heart remains heavy, indicating that external comforts or rituals cannot assuage her deep spiritual anguish. Her act of "rising up" signifies a deliberate, resolute movement, indicating her intention to seek out God directly, unburdened by the social expectations of the meal. It is an act of spiritual resolve born out of profound distress.
* **"Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD."**: This clause introduces Eli, the high priest, into the scene, emphasizing his passive, observational role. His sitting "upon a seat" suggests a position of authority and oversight, yet also one of relative inactivity compared to Hannah's rising. His location "by a post of the temple of the LORD" places him squarely within the sacred precinct of the Tabernacle, highlighting his official capacity and his proximity to the divine presence. This detail sets the stage for the crucial interaction that will soon unfold between the distressed supplicant and the spiritual leader.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its meaning and impact. **Contrast** is evident in the juxtaposition of the communal feasting and drinking with Hannah's personal sorrow and subsequent action. While others are satisfied, Hannah remains deeply distressed, highlighting her unique spiritual burden. The **Setting** of "Shiloh" and the "temple of the LORD" is crucial; it establishes a sacred space where divine encounter is expected and where Hannah's desperate prayer will take place, imbuing her actions with spiritual significance. Eli's presence, sitting "by a post," functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at his future role in Hannah's story, as his observation will lead to a pivotal interaction. The detail of his "seat" by a "post" also carries **Symbolism**, representing established religious authority and the fixed nature of the Tabernacle's presence, against which Hannah's individual, fervent prayer stands out.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that genuine spiritual encounter often arises from deep personal need and fervent prayer, even within the context of established religious rituals. Hannah's inability to find solace in the communal meal compels her to seek God directly in His sanctuary, underscoring that God hears the cries of the afflicted and responds to the earnest petitions of His people. Her story is a testament to God's sovereignty over life and barrenness, and His attentiveness to the individual heart, even when surrounded by the multitude.

* [Genesis 18:10](/genesis/18-10 "Genesis 18:10 - Sarah's Promise of a Son")
* [Genesis 30:1-2](/genesis/30-1 "Genesis 30:1-2 - Rachel's Distress and God's Remembrance")
* [Psalm 62:8](/psalms/62-8 "Psalm 62:8 - Trust in Him at All Times")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Samuel 1:9 offers a profound lesson for believers today: true worship is not merely about participating in communal rites but also about bringing our deepest, most personal burdens before God. Hannah's decision to rise and seek the Lord highlights the importance of intentionality and earnestness in prayer. When faced with overwhelming sorrow, disappointment, or unanswered longings—our own forms of "barrenness"—we are called to move beyond mere passive participation and actively pour out our hearts to God. The setting in Shiloh reminds us that while God is omnipresent, seeking Him in dedicated spaces of worship, whether a church building or a quiet place of devotion, can prepare our hearts for profound spiritual encounters, where our cries are heard, our faith is strengthened, and our hope in God's responsive nature is renewed.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hannah's transition from the communal meal to private prayer challenge my understanding of worship and personal devotion?**
* **What "barrenness" or deep longings in my life am I being called to lay before the Lord with fervent, intentional prayer, just as Hannah did?**
* **In what ways can I cultivate a deeper sense of "sacred space" in my daily life or within my community of faith to facilitate more profound encounters with God?**

### FAQ
**Why is Shiloh called the "temple of the LORD" (הֵיכָל, _heikal_) in this verse when the permanent Temple was not built until Solomon's time?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _heikal_ (הֵיכָל) indeed often refers to a grand palace or temple. However, in this context, it is used to describe the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that served as God's dwelling place among His people in Shiloh during the period of the Judges. While not a permanent stone structure like Solomon's later Temple, the Tabernacle was the central and most sacred place of worship for Israel, housing the Ark of the Covenant. The use of _heikal_ emphasizes its divine significance and function as the primary sanctuary where God's presence was manifested, rather than strictly denoting a building made of stone. This usage highlights the continuity of God's dwelling among His people, from the Tabernacle (e.g., [Exodus 25:8](/exodus/25-8 "Exodus 25:8 - Command to Build the Sanctuary")) to the later Temple.

**What is the significance of Eli the priest sitting "by a post of the temple of the LORD"?**

Answer: Eli's position "by a post" (מְזוּזָה, _mezuzah_) suggests a fixed and possibly official location within the Tabernacle complex. As the high priest, Eli was the chief spiritual authority in Israel, responsible for the oversight of the sanctuary and its activities. Sitting by a prominent architectural feature like a post implies his presence as a guardian or overseer of the sacred space. It was a place from which he could observe those who entered and exited the Tabernacle courtyard, including Hannah. This detail underscores his official capacity and his role as a spiritual leader within the established religious framework, setting the stage for his interaction with Hannah and his eventual prophetic word to her.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hannah's story, beginning with her deep sorrow and fervent prayer at the Tabernacle in Shiloh, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Her barrenness, a symbol of human inability and spiritual emptiness, foreshadows humanity's desperate need for divine intervention. Just as God miraculously opened Hannah's womb to bring forth Samuel, a prophet and judge who would anoint Israel's first kings, so too does God, in Christ, open the "womb" of spiritual barrenness, bringing forth new life and spiritual fruitfulness (cf. [John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abide in Me")). The Tabernacle, where Hannah sought God's presence, served as a temporary dwelling place for God among His people, a type and shadow of the ultimate dwelling of God in the person of Jesus Christ, who "dwelt among us" (literally, "tabernacled among us") (cf. [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). Through Christ's perfect sacrifice, believers are granted direct access to God's presence, no longer needing a high priest like Eli to mediate or a physical "temple" in Shiloh, but rather approaching the throne of grace with boldness through Him (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Hannah's desperate prayer for a son, answered by God's sovereign timing, points to God's perfect timing in sending His Son, Jesus, who was born "when the fullness of time had come" (cf. [Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4-5 - God Sent His Son")). Thus, Hannah's story of longing, prayer, and miraculous birth ultimately serves as a beautiful prelude to the greater story of God's redemptive plan fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the one who truly brings life out of barrenness and makes a way for intimate communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.