Definition: And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more [sad].

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from 1 Samuel 1:18. It’s a really powerful and somewhat unsettling passage about a woman’s experience. Here's what it essentially means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: A Woman is Offered as a Sacrifice: The verse tells us that a woman, likely a servant or someone in a position of vulnerability, was offered as a sacrifice to God. This wasn’t a happy situation; she was being treated as something less than human. She Was Seen by God: The key part is that God saw her. This isn't just a casual observation; it’s a profound and perhaps slightly judgmental look. She Sought to Eat: The woman, recognizing the seriousness of the situation, decides to eat – a symbolic act of seeking comfort or even a desperate attempt at regaining some sense of normalcy. Her Face Was Filled with Sadness: This is the most important part. Her face shows deep sadness and despair. She’s lost her joy, her peace, and perhaps even her hope. What it's trying to convey – Some Interpretations: This verse is often interpreted as a representation of: The Loss of Innocence/Hope: It speaks to the possibility that someone who has been subjected to hardship or oppression can lose their way completely. It suggests a loss of something precious and beautiful. God’s Perspective: It highlights God's perspective – He sees her as needing comfort and perhaps even recognizing her inherent worth, despite the circumstances. It's not necessarily about meriting her; it's about acknowledging her existence and being aware of her suffering. The Power of Divine Judgment: The verse can also be seen as a reminder that God is watching over people and judging their actions or situations. Important Note: It’s important to remember this is a historical account, written long ago. It's not meant to be taken literally as a detailed account of a specific event. Do you want me to: Explain a different part of the verse? Discuss the context of this passage in the Bible? Explore the theological significance of this story?