Thematic Bible: Hannah, asking to give birth to a child

The next morning Elkanah and his family got up early. After worshiping Jehovah, they went back home to Ramah. Elkanah had intercourse with his wife Hannah and Jehovah answered her prayer. So it was that she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel. She explained: I asked Jehovah for him.

Hannah was filled with grief and wept bitterly. She prayed and pledged an oath to Jehovah: O Jehovah of Hosts: If you will truly notice the sorrow of your servant. Remember me. Do not turn away from me. If you will give me a son, then I will give him to you, Jehovah, all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut. Hannah prayed to Jehovah for a long time. Eli watched her lips. read more.
She prayed silently. Her lips were moving, but she made no sound. So Eli thought that she was drunk. He said to her: Stop making a drunken show of yourself! Stop your drinking and sober up! No, I am not drunk, she answered. I have not been drinking! I am desperate. I have prayed and poured out my troubles to Jehovah. Do not consider your maidservant a worthless woman. I pray like this because I am miserable and filled with grief. Eli answered: Go in peace. May the God of Israel give you what you have asked of him.