Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

a woman of sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor
intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord. Do
not consider your maidservant a wicked woman, for out of the
abundance of my complaint and grief I have spoken until now."
The high priest was deeply moved, for he was a man of God.
So instead of rebuke he spoke a blessing: "Go in peace, and the God
of Israel grant your petition which you have asked of Him."
Hannah Gives Samuel to God
Hannah received the gift that she had earnestly asked for. As
she looked on the child, she called him Samuel--"asked of God." As
soon as the little one was old enough to be separated from his
mother, she fulfilled her vow. He was her only son, the special gift
of Heaven; but she had received him as a treasure belonging to God,
and she would not withhold from the Giver what was His own.
Hannah went with her husband to Shiloh and presented her
precious gift to the priest, saying, "For this child I prayed, and the
Lord has granted me my petition which I asked of Him. Therefore I
also have lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to
the Lord." Eli, who was too lenient a father himself, was awed and
humbled as he saw this mother's great sacrifice in parting with her
only child so that she might devote him to the service of God. He
felt condemned for his own selfish love, and in humiliation and
reverence bowed before the Lord and worshiped. Hannah's heart
was filled with joy and praise, and she poured out her gratitude to
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