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Daughters of God
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
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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 Hannah with
her childless state as evidence of the Lord’s displeasure.
This was repeated from year to year, until Hannah could endure
it no longer. Unable to hide her grief, she wept without restraint, and
withdrew from the feast. Her husband vainly sought to comfort her.
“Why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart
grieved?” he said; “am I not better to thee than ten sons?”
Hannah uttered no reproach. The burden which she could share
with no earthly friend she cast upon God. Earnestly she pleaded that
He would take away her reproach and grant her the precious gift of a
son to nurture and train for Him. And she made a solemn vow that if
her request were granted, she would dedicate her child to God, even
from its birth. Hannah had drawn near to the entrance of the tabernacle,
and in the anguish of her spirit she “prayed, ... and wept sore.” Yet she
communed with God in silence, uttering no sound. In those evil times
such scenes of worship were rarely witnessed. Irreverent feasting and
even drunkenness were not uncommon, even at the religious festivals;