Elka'nah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known as the father of the prophet Samuel. His account is found in the First Book of Samuel, where he is depicted as a devout and faithful man. Elka'nah's life and actions provide insight into the religious and familial practices of ancient Israel.

Genealogy and Family

Elka'nah was an Ephraimite, residing in the hill country of Ephraim. His lineage is detailed in 1 Samuel 1:1: "There was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite." This genealogy places Elka'nah within the tribe of Levi, as the Levites were dispersed among the tribes of Israel, including Ephraim.

Elka'nah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was initially barren, which caused her great distress. Despite this, Elka'nah showed deep affection for Hannah, giving her a double portion of the sacrificial offerings, as noted in 1 Samuel 1:5: "But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her, even though the LORD had closed her womb."

Religious Devotion

Elka'nah is portrayed as a pious man who regularly worshiped at the tabernacle in Shiloh. 1 Samuel 1:3 states, "Year after year this man would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD." This annual pilgrimage underscores his commitment to the worship of Yahweh and adherence to the religious customs of the time.

Role in Samuel's Birth and Dedication

Elka'nah's most notable contribution to biblical history is his role in the birth and dedication of Samuel. Hannah, deeply grieved by her barrenness, prayed fervently to the LORD for a child, vowing to dedicate him to the LORD's service. Elka'nah supported Hannah's vow, demonstrating his faith and trust in God's plan. After Samuel's birth, Elka'nah and Hannah brought him to Shiloh to fulfill the vow, as recorded in 1 Samuel 1:24-28.

Legacy

Elka'nah's legacy is primarily carried through his son Samuel, who became one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges. Samuel's leadership was pivotal during a transitional period in Israel's history, guiding the nation from the time of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Elka'nah's faithfulness and support of Hannah's vow played a crucial role in Samuel's life and ministry.

Elka'nah's account highlights themes of faith, devotion, and the importance of family in the biblical narrative. His life serves as an example of piety and trust in God's providence, as well as the impact of faithful parenting on future generations.Elka'nah (20 Occurrences)

Exodus 6:24
And the sons of Korah: Assir, and Elkanah, and Abiasaph; these are the families of the Korahites.
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1 Samuel 1:1
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of the hill-country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.
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1 Samuel 1:4
And it came to pass upon a day, when Elkanah sacrificed, that he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions;
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1 Samuel 1:8
And Elkanah her husband said unto her: 'Hannah, why weepest thou? and why eatest thou not? and why is thy heart grieved? am not I better to thee than ten sons?'
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1 Samuel 1:19
And they rose up in the morning early, and worshipped before the LORD, and returned, and came to their house to Ramah; and Elkanah knew Hannah his wife; and the LORD remembered her.
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1 Samuel 1:21
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer unto the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
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1 Samuel 1:23
And Elkanah her husband said unto her: 'Do what seemeth thee good; tarry until thou have weaned him; only the LORD establish His word.' So the woman tarried and gave her son suck, until she weaned him.
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1 Samuel 2:11
And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.
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1 Samuel 2:20
And Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say: 'The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which was lent to the LORD.' And they would go unto their own home.
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1 Chronicles 6:23
Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son;
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1 Chronicles 6:25
And the sons of Elkanah: Amasai, and Ahimoth.
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1 Chronicles 6:26
As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son, and Nahath his son;
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1 Chronicles 6:27
Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.
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1 Chronicles 6:34
the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah;
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1 Chronicles 6:35
the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai;
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1 Chronicles 6:36
the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah;
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1 Chronicles 9:16
and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, that dwelt in the villages of the Netophathites.
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1 Chronicles 12:6
Elkanah, and Isshiah, and Azarel, and Joezer, and Jashobeam, the Korahites;
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1 Chronicles 15:23
And Berechiah and Elkanah were door-keepers for the ark.
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2 Chronicles 28:7
And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king's son, and Azrikam the ruler of the house, and Elkanah that was next to the king.
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Elka'nah (20 Occurrences)
Elka'nah. Elkanah, Elka'nah. Elkiah . Multi-Version Concordance Elka'nah
(20 Occurrences). Exodus 6:24 And the sons of Korah: Assir ...
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Elkanah (20 Occurrences)

/e/elkanah.htm - 14k

Elkiah

/e/elkiah.htm - 6k

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