Compare Elkanah's response to Hannah with Ephesians 5:25 on loving spouses. Setting the scene in 1 Samuel 1 1 Samuel 1 portrays a godly family worshiping at Shiloh. Hannah’s barrenness has left her heartbroken, yet her husband stands by her. • 1 Samuel 1:4-5: “Whenever Elkanah offered a sacrifice, he would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her, even though the LORD had closed her womb.” • 1 Samuel 1:8: “Her husband Elkanah asked, ‘Hannah, why are you crying? Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?’ ” Elkanah’s love in action • Provision – shares his offering with Hannah first, demonstrating tangible care. • Preference – gives her “a double portion,” publicly affirming her value. • Presence – notices her tears and speaks directly to her pain. Points of tenderness and limitation • Genuine affection shines, yet his question “Am I not better…?” shifts the focus to himself. • He comforts, but stops short of laying down his own desires or rights for hers. • His words show empathy but cannot resolve her deepest longing for a child; only God will satisfy that ache (1 Samuel 1:19-20). The call in Ephesians 5:25 Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her.” • Standard set by Christ—self-surrender, not self-reference. • Love that bears another’s burden fully (Galatians 6:2). • Willingness to “give Himself up,” echoing Philippians 2:5-8. Comparing Elkanah and Christlike love Similarities • Affectionate initiative: Elkanah gives first, Christ loves first (Romans 5:8). • Verbal reassurance: both speak comfort (cf. Matthew 11:28). Contrasts • Depth of sacrifice: Elkanah offers meat; Christ offers His life. • Focus: Elkanah points to his own sufficiency; Christ points to the Father’s sufficiency. • Efficacy: Elkanah’s love eases but cannot heal; Christ’s love cleanses and sanctifies (Ephesians 5:26-27). Practical takeaways for today • Love starts with provision and affection but must press on to self-sacrifice. • Comforting words matter; still, ultimate relief is found when spouses help one another to seek the Lord (Psalm 34:18). • Husbands mirror Christ best when they set aside ego, shoulder pain with their wives, and lay down personal comfort for their flourishing (Colossians 3:19; 1 Peter 3:7). |
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