Historical Context: The period of the Judges (c. 1100-1020 BCE) was characterized by the phrase 'everyone did what was right in their own eyes.' The Tabernacle was located at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant resided. Eli served as both high priest and judge. His sons Hophni and Phinehas were corrupt, taking meat from sacrifices and sleeping with women at the Tabernacle entrance. Polygamy was practiced; barrenness was viewed as divine disfavor. The Philistines were the primary military threat. Samuel would become the last judge and would anoint Israel's first two kings.
Heard weeping at the tabernacle again. Eli thought she was drunk. His eyes are weak... but his heart? Sometimes I wonder. She was just pouring herself out to the Lord.
By the altar... Eli thought her drunk? She was weeping her vow to the Lord. He saw disgrace, not a broken heart. What does He see when I whisper?
Her weeping at the tent... but heard. Eli gave his blessing. A child vowed to the Lord. In this place of empty rituals... a desperate prayer shakes heaven. We shall see.
Went up to Shiloh yesterday. Saw Hannah… and her face wasn’t sad anymore. Not at all. After all these years? Everyone on my street is talking about it. What did Eli say to her?
Another year. Another prayer in the dust at the entrance. The sons of Eli feast, and this woman pours out her soul to deaf stones. But... hers wasn’t a drunken prayer. I saw it.
