Hannah’s Vow and Prayer

9

So Anna arose after she had eaten and drunk in Silo: And Heli, the priest, sitting upon a stool before the door of the temple of the Lord;

10

As Anna had her heart full of grief, she prayed to the Lord, shedding many tears,

11

And she made a vow, saying: O Lord of hosts, if thou wilt look down, and wilt be mindful of me, and not forget thy handmaid, and wilt give to thy servant a manchild: I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head.

12

And it came to pass, as she multiplied prayers before the Lord, that Heli observed her mouth.

13

Now Anna spoke in her heart, and only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard at all. Heli therefore thought her to be drunk,

14

And said to her: How long wilt thou be drunk? digest a little the wine, of which thou hast taken too much.

15

Anna answering, said: Not so, my lord: for I am an exceeding unhappy woman, and have drunk neither wine nor any strong drink, but I have poured out my soul before the Lord.

16

Count not thy handmaid for one of the daughters of Belial: for out of the abundance of my sorrow and grief have I spoken till now.

17

Then Heli said to her: Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition, which thou hast asked of him.

18

And she said: Would to God thy handmaid may find grace in thy eyes. So the woman went on her way, and ate, and her countenance was no more changed.

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