Definition: And she said, Oh my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:26. It’s a really interesting and significant moment in the story of Samuel! Here's what it means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: This verse is about acknowledging God's presence and being part of His plan. “And she said…” : This tells us this is happening after a specific event – Samuel’s mom, Hannah, has been praying to God. “…Oh my lord, [as] thy soul liveth, my lord, I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.” This is the core of it. Let's unpack it: “She said…” : Hannah is speaking to God. “Oh my lord…” : This is a way of showing respect and deference. It’s like saying "Dear God," or “Lord." “[as] thy soul liveth…” : This means she’s alive, and she's alive because of God’s favor. (It’s a bit poetic - it implies that her life is a gift.) “my lord…” : This is a very important word! It means "Lord" or "Master." It emphasizes that Hannah is speaking to God as a high-ranking figure, someone worthy of reverence. “I [am] the woman that stood by thee here, praying unto the LORD.” : This is the key part. Hannah says she is the one who was standing there, praying – and she was praying specifically to God . It’s a clear acknowledgment that she’s been dedicated to worshipping Him. So, what does it mean in a nutshell? It means Hannah felt incredibly connected to God and recognized her role as a witness to His presence. She wasn't just a casual observer; she was actively involved in prayer and recognizing God's power. It’s a moment of deep faith and humility. Why is this important? This verse shows us: Hannah's Faith: She was deeply committed to worshipping God, even in the midst of hardship. God’s Presence: It highlights that God actively responds to prayer and devotion. He’s not just listening; He's seeing and responding . Does this verse tell us anything about her role? It doesn't explicitly say what she does, but it shows that she was a significant witness. She was present and dedicated to praying to God, which is a powerful thing! --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of the scripture? Discuss the context of this verse in more detail (like why Hannah prayed)?