<p class="bodytext">They got up early the next morning and after worshiping the <sc>Lordsc>, they returned to their home at Ramah. Elkanah had marital relations with<n id="1" /> his wife Hannah, and the <sc>Lordsc> remembered<n id="2" /> her.

She made a vow saying, &#8220;O <sc>Lordsc> of hosts, if you will look with compassion<n id="1" /> on the suffering of your female servant,<n id="2" /> remembering me and not forgetting your servant, and give a male child<n id="3" /> to your servant, then I will dedicate him to the <sc>Lordsc> all the days of his life. His hair will never be cut.&#8221;<n id="4" />p>

<p class="bodytext">When he mentioned the ark of God, Eli<n id="1" /> fell backward from his chair beside the gate. He broke his neck and died, for he<n id="2" /> was old and heavy. He had judged Israel for forty years.p>

Your conscience will not be overwhelmed with guilt<n id="1" /> for having poured out innocent blood and for having taken matters into your own hands. When the <sc>Lordsc> has granted my lord success,<n id="2" /> please remember your servant.&#8221;p>