Chapter 55—The Child Samuel
This chapter is based on
1 Samuel 1
;
2:1-11
.
Elkanah, a Levite of Mount Ephraim, was a man of wealth and
influence, and one who loved and feared the Lord. His wife, Hannah,
was a woman of fervent piety. Gentle and unassuming, her character
was marked with deep earnestness and a lofty faith.
The blessing so earnestly sought by every Hebrew was denied this
godly pair; their home was not gladdened by the voice of childhood;
and the desire to perpetuate his name led the husband—as it had led
many others—to contract a second marriage. But this step, prompted
by a lack of faith in God, did not bring happiness. Sons and daughters
were added to the household; but the joy and beauty of God’s sacred
institution had been marred and the peace of the family was broken.
Peninnah, the new wife, was jealous and narrow-minded, and she bore
herself with pride and insolence. To Hannah, hope seemed crushed
and life a weary burden; yet she met the trial with uncomplaining
meekness.
Elkanah faithfully observed the ordinances of God. The worship
at Shiloh was still maintained, but on account of irregularities in the
ministration his services were not required at the sanctuary, to which,
being a Levite, he was to give attendance. Yet he went up with his
family to worship and sacrifice at the appointed gatherings.
Even amid the sacred festivities connected with the service of God
the evil spirit that had cursed his home intruded. After presenting the
thank offerings, all the family, according to the established custom,
united in a solemn yet joyous feast. Upon these occasions Elkanah
gave the mother of his children a portion for herself and for each of
her sons and daughters; and in token of regard for Hannah, he gave
her a double portion, signifying that his affection for her was the same
as if she had had a son. Then the second wife, fired with jealousy,
claimed the precedence as one highly favored of God, and taunted
[570]
Hannah with her childless state as evidence of the Lord’s displeasure.
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