And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I [am] a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD.
Ver. 15. No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit.] She was also a woman of a meek and quiet spirit, as appeareth by this mild answer. She doth indeed roundly defend her own innocency, but setteth not up her note at him as a false accuser, neither biddeth him look better to those drunken whoremasters, his own sons - as many an impudent dame would have done, and as Augustus upon the bench was twitted with the disorders of his own family, - but giveth the high priest good words - which St Paul scarce did, - and Act 23:5 seeketh to satisfy him by such good reasons as well showed that she was sober enough.
But have poured out my soul before the Lord.] This is a just description of effectual fervent prayer. Jam 5:16 See Psalms 62:8; Psalms 142:2 Lamentations 2:19. Saints unbosom and unbowel themselves before the Lord with much freedom and affiance.