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1 Samuel 1:1–7
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim Zophim, of the mountains of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah… (v. 1a).
We have noted that the book of 1 Samuel focuses on Samuel, Saul, and David, but it begins before any of them are born, with Samuel’s parents. What does today’s passage tell us about this family?
First of all, Samuel’s father, Elkanah, is identified as an Ephraimite because he lives in the mountains of Ephraim, in central Israel. He makes his home in Ramathaim Zophim, which may be the city later known as Arimathea. However, Elkanah is actually a Levite, a member of that tribe from which come the priests and the caretakers of the tabernacle (1 Chron. 6:33-34).
Second, Elkanah seems to be a devout Israelite, leading his entire family in worshiping God each year at the tabernacle in Shiloh. God had designated Shiloh as Israel’s first central worship shrine Josh. 18:1), the site where He would ” ‘put His name for His dwelling place’ ” (Deut. 12:5). He called all male Israelites to come there three times each year to make sacrifices (Deut. 16:1-17). The text seems to say that Elkanah goes only once each year, but no explanation is given for this apparent disobedience. Distance is certainly not a factor—both Ramathaim and Shiloh lie within the territory of Ephraim. Interestingly, we are told that Elkanah worships “the Lord of hosts.” This is the first instance of this title for God in Scripture. It combines God’s personal name, Yahweh (rendered “Lord”), with a description of Him as the commander of armies, an expression of His sovereign rule. The author of 1 Samuel already has his theme fixed in his mind.
Third, Elkanah’s family life is troubled. Like his ancestor Jacob, he has two wives. And like Jacob’s wives, one of Elkanah’s spouses has numerous children while the other has none. Hannah, the childless wife, is deeply troubled by her barrenness, and the other wife, Peninnah, adds to Hannah’s misery by mocking her childlessness each year when the family travels to the tabernacle. Out of love for Hannah, Elkanah tries to comfort her with a larger (or “more honorable”) portion when the family sits down to the ritual feast after making its peace offering (Lev. 7:11–18), but Hannah is so distressed she cannot eat. However, the writer of 1 Samuel is clear that Hannah’s problem is not biological; he writes that “the Lord had closed her womb.” No reason is given for this difficult providence, but God clearly is at work.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Hannah seems to have endured years of shame and misery. Time would reveal, however, that God was at work during those difficult times. So it is for all of God’s people. We may face great trials, but we always can be assured that God is ordering events to achieve both our good and His glory. Rest in faith in His sovereignty.
For Further Study
- John 16:33
- Rom. 8:38–39
- 1 Peter 4:12–16
- Rev. 3:10