1 Samuel 1:9
So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
Original Language Analysis
וַתָּ֣קָם
rose up
H6965
וַתָּ֣קָם
rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
1 of 16
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
H310
וְאַֽחֲרֵ֣י
after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
6 of 16
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
H3548
הַכֹּהֵ֗ן
the priest
Strong's:
H3548
Word #:
9 of 16
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
יֹשֵׁב֙
sat
H3427
יֹשֵׁב֙
sat
Strong's:
H3427
Word #:
10 of 16
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
11 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַכִּסֵּ֔א
upon a seat
H3678
הַכִּסֵּ֔א
upon a seat
Strong's:
H3678
Word #:
12 of 16
properly, covered, i.e., a throne (as canopied)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
13 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
1 Samuel 3:3And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep;Psalms 27:4One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.
Historical Context
The structure at Shiloh, though called the Tabernacle, appears to have incorporated more permanent architectural elements (doorposts, doors). Archaeological excavations at Shiloh (Khirbet Seilun) reveal significant Iron Age I remains, though the sanctuary itself has not been definitively identified.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Hannah's intentional movement toward prayer challenge passive responses to difficulty?
- What does the contrast between institutional religion (Eli) and genuine devotion (Hannah) teach us?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Hannah's rising after the meal demonstrates purposeful action amid her grief. The phrase 'house of the LORD' technically anachronistic (the Temple was not yet built) refers to the Tabernacle complex at Shiloh. Eli's position 'by a post of the temple' (Hebrew: mezuzah, doorpost) indicates his place of authority. The contrast between the aged, stationary priest and the grieving woman who will initiate spiritual renewal is deliberate. God often bypasses institutional channels to work through unexpected instruments.