1 Kingdoms (1 Samuel) 1:15Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

To demonstrate to those who insult you that you are not under the influence, show it through humility and restraint, not through cursing or swearing. If you retaliate against the insulter, they will perceive you as drunken; but if you bear it with grace, your actions will prove the accusation false. Such was this wife’s example. Her response, "Nay, Lord," manifested through her actions that the suspicion was unfounded. But why did the priest harbor such doubts? Did he observe her laughing, dancing, stumbling, or engaging in anything disgraceful? What prompted this suspicion? It arose, not without reason, from the time of day. At midday, as she prayed, this is indicated in the previous account: "And Anna arose," as Scripture records, "after their eating in Shiloh and drinking, and stood before the Lord" (1 Kings 1:8). Notice that the time when most would seek rest, she dedicated to prayer. She hurried from the table to pray, tearfully and with a focused mind, and so diligently prayed after her meal that she received a divine gift, overcame her barrenness, and strengthened her weak nature. Thus, from this wife, we learn the importance of praying even after feasting. The one who prepares for this will avoid falling into excess or drunkenness and will not suffer the consequences of gluttony. By anchoring their thoughts in prayer like a bridle, they will consume in moderation all that is presented, securing blessings for both soul and body. A table that commences and concludes with prayer will never lack sustenance but will provide blessings more abundantly than a spring. We ought not to overlook such privileges. It is peculiar that our servants, upon receiving from our table, express gratitude and depart with kind words, while we, who enjoy greater blessings, do not offer God thanks, which would ensure we receive abundant grace. Where prayer and thanksgiving abound, the Holy Spirit's grace flows, driving away demons and causing all enemy forces to retreat. One who seeks to engage in prayer will refrain from uttering indecent words at the table and, should they slip, will quickly repent. Therefore, it is essential to express gratitude to God both at the beginning and the end of meals. If we cultivate this practice, we will be less prone to drunkenness. Should we find ourselves rising from the table in an inebriated state, we should not abandon our practice of prayer; rather, even in our unsteady condition, we will pray without altering our customs. Pray today as you did yesterday, and you will correct any missteps. Thus, as we partake of our meals, let us remember this wife, her tears, and her righteous intoxication: indeed, she was intoxicated, but not with wine, rather with profound reverence. If her spirit was so uplifted after eating, how much more fervently must she have prayed before consuming anything? Let us return once more to her wise and humble words: "Nor, Lord," she continued, "I am a woman in distress and drink no wine or strong drink." Observe that she refrains from recounting the insults hurled by her rival, avoids portraying her malice, and does not lament her household misfortunes, but instead communicates only what is necessary for her vindication before the priest: "I am a woman in a hard day; I drink no wine or strong drink, but I pour out my soul before the Lord." She emphasizes not, "I pray to God, I ask of God," but rather "I pour out my soul before the Lord," signifying that she has entirely devoted herself to God, directing her complete focus toward Him, praying with all her soul and strength, revealing her suffering to the Lord, and exposing her wounds for Him to heal.