1 Samuel 1:15
And Hannah answered and said, 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.
1 Samuel 1:15
Hannah’s reply to Eli shifts from description of her false accusation to a direct confession of her sorrow and her steadfast faith. She emphasizes that she has poured out her soul before the LORD, and she communicates that her experience is marked by chastened restraint—she has not engaged in drunkenness but in reverent prayer. The phrase “poured out my soul” captures a depth of emotional prayer that is intimate and genuine. Her word choice contrasts the temporary intoxication of wine with the lasting intoxication of divine fellowship. By positioning her heart before God, she asserts the primacy of divine hearing over human judgment.
Theologically, Hannah reframes suffering as a legitimate arena for worship and petition. It demonstrates that authentic spiritual life often involves honest exposure of pain before God. It also reinforces the principle that God responds to the inward posture rather than outward appearances or social judgments.
In modern life, you may have been unfairly misread or judged. Hannah’s response serves as a model for handling misperception with grace while staying true to your petition before God. Practical steps: articulate your needs honestly to God, refuse to be deterred by misinterpretation, and seek supportive trusted counsel. If you’re in a role of leadership or pastoral care, cultivate space for people to express their lament without fear of misjudgment.
Cross-References: Psalm 62:8; Jeremiah 29:12-13; Psalm 34:18; Luke 18:38-39