1 Samuel 1:10-18

Easy-to-Read Version

¹⁰ Hannah was so sad that she cried the whole time she was praying to the Lord. ¹¹ She made a special promise to God and said, “Lord All-Powerful, you can see how sad I am. Remember me. Don’t forget me. If you will give me a son, I will give him to you. He will be yours his whole life, and as a Nazirite, he will not drink wine or strong drink,^[a] and no one will ever cut his hair.”

¹² Hannah prayed to the Lord a long time. Eli was watching her mouth while she was praying. ¹³ Hannah was praying in her heart. Her lips were moving, but since she did not say the words out loud, Eli thought she was drunk. ¹⁴ He said to her, “You have had too much to drink. It is time to put away the wine.”

¹⁵ Hannah answered, “Sir, I have not drunk any wine or beer. I am deeply troubled, and I was telling the Lord about all my problems. ¹⁶ Don’t think I am a bad woman. I have been praying so long because I have so many troubles and am very sad.”

¹⁷ Eli answered, “Go in peace. May the God of Israel give you what you asked for.”

¹⁸ Hannah said, “May you be happy with me.” Then she left and ate something. She was not sad anymore.