Then said Elkanah her husband to her, Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? [am] not I better to thee than ten sons?
Ver. 8. Hannah, why weepest thou?] Children should not be desired too passionately, because they are certain cares, but uncertain comforts. Sir Thomas Moore's wife was mightily desirous of "a boy, " - that was her word, - and she had one that proved a fool: and saith her husband, You were never quiet till you had a boy; and now you have one that will be all his life a boy .
Am not I better to thee than ten sons?] Than those ten sons of Peninnah, saith Lyra, following the Hebrews.