Elkanah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known as the father of the prophet Samuel. His account is found in the opening chapters of the First Book of Samuel. Elkanah's lineage and family dynamics provide insight into the religious and social context of ancient Israel.

Lineage and Background

Elkanah was an Ephraimite, residing in the hill country of Ephraim. His genealogy is detailed in 1 Samuel 1:1: "There was a 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 lineage places Elkanah within the tribe of Levi, as Zuph is identified as a Levite in 1 Chronicles 6:26-27. This Levitical heritage is significant, as it connects Elkanah to the priestly line, although he lived in the territory of Ephraim.

Family Structure

Elkanah is noted for having two wives, a practice not uncommon in the Old Testament period. His wives were Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was initially barren, which caused her great distress. The family dynamics are described in 1 Samuel 1:2: "He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none."

Elkanah's devotion to his family and to God is evident in his annual pilgrimages to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts. This practice underscores his piety and adherence to the religious customs of the time. During these visits, Elkanah demonstrated his love for Hannah by giving her a double portion of the sacrificial meat, despite her barrenness, as recorded 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."

Hannah's Vow and Samuel's Birth

Hannah's deep sorrow over her childlessness led her to make a vow to the LORD, promising that if He granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the LORD's service all the days of his life. This vow is a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it sets the stage for the birth of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets. The LORD answered Hannah's prayer, and she bore a son, whom she named Samuel, meaning "heard by God," as noted in 1 Samuel 1:20: "So in the course of time, Hannah conceived and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, 'Because I have asked for him from the LORD.'"

Dedication of Samuel

True to her vow, Hannah brought Samuel to the house of the LORD at Shiloh once he was weaned, dedicating him to the LORD's service under the priest Eli. This act of dedication is a testament to the faith and commitment of both Hannah and Elkanah to their religious obligations and to the LORD's will.

Elkanah's Role and Legacy

Elkanah's role as the father of Samuel places him in the broader narrative of Israel's history, as Samuel would go on to become a pivotal figure in the transition from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Elkanah's faithfulness in worship and his support of Hannah's vow highlight the importance of family devotion and obedience to God in the biblical tradition.

Elkanah's family account, marked by faith, prayer, and dedication, serves as an enduring example of trust in God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises.