Book of 1 Samuel - Chapter 1 - Verse 16

The verse 'Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto' can be found in 1 Samuel 1:16 in the Bible. In this verse, Hannah is expressing her deep sorrow and distress to God. She is asking not to be mistaken for a wicked woman because of her outward appearance of grief and complaint. By using the term "daughter of Belial," Hannah is referring to someone who is wicked or worthless in the eyes of God. She wants to make it clear that her complaints and grief come from a place of genuine pain and suffering, rather than from a place of evil intentions or wickedness.

This verse serves as a reminder that we should not judge others based on their outward expressions of grief or complaint, but rather seek to understand the deeper emotions and intentions behind their words and actions. It also shows the importance of being honest and sincere in our prayers to God, expressing our true feelings and concerns without fear of being misunderstood or judged. By studying and reflecting on verses like this, we can deepen our understanding of biblical characters and the lessons they teach us about faith, honesty, and compassion.

In this verse, the term "daughter of Belial" is significant from a theological perspective. The term Belial is often understood as a personification of evil or wickedness in the Old Testament. Thus, when the speaker in this verse declares someone as not being a daughter of Belial, they are essentially asserting that the individual is not associated with wickedness or evil. This highlights the importance of purity and righteousness in the speaker's point of view.

Additionally, the mention of "complaint and grief" in this verse provides insight into the emotional state of the speaker. The use of these words suggests that the speaker has been dealing with some form of hardship or distress, leading them to express their feelings openly. This highlights the human experience of suffering and the need to vocalize one's emotions in times of trouble.

Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of discerning righteousness from wickedness and the significance of expressing one's emotions honestly before God. It encourages believers to seek purity and honesty in their relationships and to turn to God in times of distress.