What does 1 Samuel 1:14 mean?
Eli is the high priest of Israel. He has observed a woman, Hannah, praying intensely at the temple at Shiloh (1 Samuel 1:9–12). But he does not realize she is praying. He sees her lips moving and hears no sound, and he assumes she is drunk. As high priest, Eli is responsible, at least in part, for making sure that conduct in this sacred place before the Lord is appropriate and respectful. Eli confronts Hannah, asking her how long she will keep being drunk. He doesn't tell her to leave the temple, but he does tell her to put her wine away from her. In other words, he says it's time for her to quit drinking and sober up.Hannah reveals what is really going on in the following verses (1 Samuel 1:15–16).