3
This man went up from his city yearly to worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. Also the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there.
4
And whenever the time came for Elkanah to make an offering, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters.
5
But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, although the Lord had closed her womb.
6
And her rival also provoked her severely, to make her miserable, because the Lord had closed her womb.
7
So it was, year by year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, that she provoked her; therefore she wept and did not eat.
8
Then Elkanah her husband said to her, "Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?"
9
So Hannah arose after they had finished eating and drinking in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat by the doorpost of the tabernacle of the Lord.
10
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish.
11
Then she made a vow and said, "O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, and not forget Your maidservant, but will give Your maidservant a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come upon his head."
12
And it happened, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli watched her mouth.
13
Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk.