Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Samuel 1:17

"Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace; and the God of Israel grant thy petition that thou hast asked of him." — 1 Samuel 1:17 (ASV)

The God of Israel grant thee thy petition. —The character of Eli is a deeply interesting one.

He was weak and over-indulgent towards his headstrong, wicked sons, probably too self-indulgent himself, and a lover of ease. Yet, in the brief record we possess, we catch sight of many noble thoughts and wishes: flashes of true nobility, real generosity and self-forgetfulness, and intense, devoted patriotism illuminate a life that ultimately ended in failure and disaster.

In this instance, the old man is quick to see that he had been insulting a blameless woman. So, he at once retracts his cruel accusation and silently reproaches himself for his rashness and injustice in his graceful, courteous words of farewell. Also adding his fatherly wish, he almost promises that what she so ardently desired would be hers.