NOTES for Sa1 1:1-28
Much in the account of Samuel's birth resembles other biblical stories about the birth of great saints and prophets. But each of these outwardly similar stories has its own important differences.
Here the biblical narrator pays particular attention to the sorrow of the childless Hannah. But this is what matters: even while enduring reproach because she has no children, Hannah refuses to murmur against the Lord and continues to turn to Him in prayer. Her profound prayer is so unusual that even the old and experienced priest Eli mistakes Hannah for a drunken woman, just as, many centuries later, the Apostles filled with the Holy Spirit will be called drunk.
Hannah's humility and openness to God's will enabled her to receive an answer to her prayers. This great woman of prayer was destined to become the mother of a great intercessor before God.