Go in peace,This phrase is a common biblical expression used to convey a blessing or farewell, often implying the speaker's wish for the recipient's well-being and divine favor. In the context of 1 Samuel, Eli, the high priest, uses it to reassure Hannah after her heartfelt prayer. The phrase reflects a deep-seated cultural and religious understanding of peace (shalom) as encompassing wholeness, health, and prosperity. It is reminiscent of Jesus' words in the New Testament, where He often used similar expressions to convey spiritual and physical well-being (e.g.,
Mark 5:34).
Eli replied,
Eli, serving as the high priest and judge of Israel, plays a significant role in the early chapters of 1 Samuel. His position gives weight to his words, as he acts as a mediator between God and the people. Despite his earlier misunderstanding of Hannah's actions, Eli's response here shows a shift to compassion and spiritual insight. His role as a priest is crucial, as he represents the religious authority of the time, and his blessing carries the weight of divine approval.
and may the God of Israel
This phrase emphasizes the covenant relationship between God and the nation of Israel. It highlights the unique identity of God as the one true God who has chosen Israel as His people. The invocation of "the God of Israel" underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to intervene in the lives of His people. This is consistent with the broader biblical narrative, where God is often referred to in terms of His relationship with Israel (e.g.,Exodus 3:15).
grant the petition
The term "petition" refers to Hannah's earnest prayer for a child. In the biblical context, prayer is a vital means of communication with God, and petitions are requests made with faith and humility. The granting of petitions is a recurring theme in Scripture, illustrating God's responsiveness to the prayers of His people (e.g., 1John 5:14-15). This phrase also foreshadows the fulfillment of Hannah's request, demonstrating God's faithfulness.
you have asked of Him.
Hannah's act of asking highlights the importance of personal prayer and supplication in the believer's life. Her request is made directly to God, reflecting a personal relationship and trust in His power to act. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that God hears and answers the prayers of those who earnestly seek Him (e.g.,Matthew 7:7-8). Hannah's story serves as an example of faith and perseverance in prayer, encouraging believers to bring their deepest desires before God.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
HannahA devout woman who was deeply distressed due to her barrenness. She fervently prayed to God for a child.
2.
EliThe high priest at the temple in Shiloh, who initially misunderstood Hannah's prayer but later blessed her.
3.
ShilohThe religious center where the Ark of the Covenant was located, and where Hannah prayed.
4.
God of IsraelThe one true God whom Hannah petitioned for a son, demonstrating her faith and reliance on Him.
5.
PetitionHannah's heartfelt request to God for a child, which she made with a vow to dedicate him to the Lord.
Teaching Points
The Power of PrayerHannah's account illustrates the importance of persistent and heartfelt prayer. Believers are encouraged to bring their deepest desires and needs before God, trusting in His timing and wisdom.
Faith in God's PromisesHannah's faith in God's ability to answer her prayer serves as a model for believers to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.
Peace in God's AssuranceEli's blessing of peace reflects the peace that comes from trusting in God's provision and sovereignty. Believers can find peace in knowing that God hears and answers prayers.
Commitment to GodHannah's vow to dedicate her son to the Lord demonstrates a commitment to honoring God with the blessings He provides. Believers are encouraged to dedicate their lives and resources to God's service.
God's FaithfulnessThe fulfillment of Hannah's prayer reminds believers of God's faithfulness to His people. Trusting in God's faithfulness can strengthen one's faith and encourage perseverance in prayer.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 1:17?
2.How does 1 Samuel 1:17 demonstrate God's response to heartfelt prayer?
3.What role does faith play in Hannah's interaction with Eli in this verse?
4.How can we apply Eli's blessing in 1 Samuel 1:17 to our prayers?
5.Compare Eli's blessing to other biblical instances of priestly blessings.
6.How does 1 Samuel 1:17 encourage us to trust in God's promises?
7.How does 1 Samuel 1:17 demonstrate God's response to sincere prayer?
8.What role does Eli play in the fulfillment of Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 1:17?
9.How does 1 Samuel 1:17 reflect the power of faith in biblical narratives?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 1?
11.Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel? God did (2 Samuel 24: 1) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)
12.Why does Samuel's speech in 1 Samuel 12:14-15 seem at odds with earlier promises of a king in Deuteronomy 17:14-20?
13.1 Samuel 3:7 - How could a child with no prior knowledge of God accurately identify and respond to a supernatural voice?
14.In 1 Samuel 2:30-36, God pronounces judgment on Eli's family--does this contradict later scriptural teachings on individual accountability (e.g., Ezekiel 18)?What Does 1 Samuel 1:17 Mean
Go in peaceHannah has poured out her soul, and Eli’s first words give her immediate assurance.
• “Peace” (Hebrew shalom) means wholeness and well–being, not merely absence of conflict (Numbers 6:26;John 14:27).
• The phrase releases her from anxiety, echoing scenes where God’s servants are dismissed with confidence after divine encounters (Judges 18:6;Luke 7:50).
• Hannah’s tears turn to trust because God’s peace is a gift that guards hearts (Philippians 4:7).
Eli repliedThe priest who had earlier misunderstood Hannah now speaks as God’s appointed mediator.
• Though Eli’s personal failures will later surface (1 Samuel 2:29–34), at this moment he fulfills his priestly role (Hebrews 5:1).
• His reply signals that God often uses imperfect people to deliver perfect words (Numbers 22:38;Malachi 2:7).
• Hannah receives the reply as authoritative, a reminder that God still works through established spiritual leadership (Romans 13:1).
and may the God of Israel grantEli shifts from dismissal to intercession, appealing to the covenant-keeping LORD.
• “God of Israel” recalls His historic faithfulness—from Abraham’s promise (Genesis 17:7) to Israel’s deliverance (Exodus 3:15).
• Granting requests is rooted in divine character: “The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me” (Psalm 138:8).
• By invoking God’s name, Eli anchors Hannah’s hope in the One who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask” (Ephesians 3:20).
the petitionThe word points to a specific, heartfelt plea—a son.
• Scripture celebrates bold, focused petitions: Solomon’s request for wisdom (1 Kings 3:9); Hezekiah’s plea for life (2 Kings 20:2-5).
• God invites detailed requests, not vague wishes (Philippians 4:6;1 Peter 5:7).
• Hannah’s petition mirrors the principle that fervent, righteous prayer is powerful (James 5:16).
you have asked of HimThe blessing ends by spotlighting Hannah’s direct relationship with God.
• Prayer is personal conversation: “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3).
• Asking “of Him” acknowledges God alone as source; no other intermediary suffices (Psalm 121:1-2).
• Jesus later echoes this pattern: “Whatever you ask in My name, I will do” (John 14:13), underlining the timeless link between asking and receiving (Matthew 7:7-8).
summaryEli’s brief benediction turns Hannah’s sorrow into expectancy. “Go in peace” releases anxiety; “the God of Israel” grounds hope in covenant faithfulness; “grant the petition you have asked of Him” affirms that heartfelt, specific prayer reaches a willing, powerful Father. The verse teaches that God’s people can leave the place of prayer with calm confidence, trusting the Lord to answer according to His perfect compassion and power.
(17)
The God of Israel grant thee thy petition.--The character of Eli is a deeply interesting one. Weak and over-indulgent to his headstrong, wicked sons, probably too self-indulgent, and a lover of ease, yet in the brief record we possess we catch eight of not a few noble thoughts and wishes: flashes of true nobility, real generosity and self-forgetfulness, of intense, devoted patriotism, light up a life which closed in failure and disaster. Here the old man is quick to see that he had been insulting a blameless woman, so at once he retracts his cruel accusation, and silently accuses himself of precipitancy and injustice in his graceful, courteous words of farewell; adding too his fatherly wish, he almost promises that what she wished so ardently should be hers.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
“Goלְכִ֣י(lə·ḵî)Verb - Qal - Imperative - feminine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkin peace,”לְשָׁל֑וֹם(lə·šā·lō·wm)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965:Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peaceEliעֵלִ֛י(‘ê·lî)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5941:Eli -- a priest at Shilohreplied,וַיַּ֧עַן(way·ya·‘an)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond“and may the Godוֵאלֹהֵ֣י(wê·lō·hê)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativeof Israelיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descgrantיִתֵּן֙(yit·tên)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setthe petitionשֵׁ֣לָתֵ֔ךְ(šê·lā·ṯêḵ)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 7596:Request, thing asked foryou have askedשָׁאַ֖לְתְּ(šā·’alt)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person feminine singular
Strong's 7592:To inquire, to request, to demandof Him.”מֵעִמּֽוֹ׃(mê·‘im·mōw)Preposition-m | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5973:With, equally with
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OT History: 1 Samuel 1:17 Then Eli answered Go in peace (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa)