Topical Bible: Peninnah: One of the Wives of Elkanah

◄ Peninnah: One of the Wives of Elkanah ►

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Peninnah is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the First Book of Samuel. She is known as one of the two wives of Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim. Her account is primarily found in 1 Samuel 1:1-8.

Family and Background

Peninnah was married to Elkanah, who was a Levite residing in the region of Ephraim. Elkanah had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. The practice of polygamy, though not ideal, was culturally accepted during this period in Israel's history. Peninnah bore children for Elkanah, while Hannah, at least initially, was barren. This distinction between the two wives sets the stage for the familial dynamics described in the biblical narrative.

Role and Significance

Peninnah's role in the biblical account is largely defined by her relationship with Hannah. The scripture notes that Peninnah had sons and daughters, which is significant in the context of ancient Israelite society, where a woman's status and security were often tied to her ability to bear children. In contrast, Hannah's initial barrenness was a source of deep personal anguish.

The Bible describes Peninnah as a rival to Hannah, provoking her and causing her distress. 1 Samuel 1:6-7 states, "Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat." This behavior highlights the tension and rivalry between the two women, exacerbated by the cultural emphasis on childbearing.

Religious and Cultural Context

The narrative of Peninnah and Hannah unfolds within the context of Israel's religious practices. Elkanah, being a devout man, would go up to Shiloh annually to worship and offer sacrifices to the LORD of Hosts. During these pilgrimages, the family dynamics would come to the forefront, as Elkanah would distribute portions of the sacrificial meat to Peninnah and her children, and a double portion to Hannah, whom he loved deeply despite her barrenness (1 Samuel 1:4-5).

Peninnah's actions towards Hannah can be understood within the cultural framework of the time, where the ability to bear children was seen as a blessing from God, and barrenness was often viewed as a divine judgment or curse. Peninnah's provocations may have stemmed from a sense of superiority or insecurity, as she sought to assert her position within the family.

Theological Implications

The account of Peninnah, while brief, serves as a backdrop to the larger narrative of Hannah's faith and God's intervention. Peninnah's provocations drive Hannah to fervent prayer, leading to the birth of Samuel, who would become a significant prophet and leader in Israel. The contrast between Peninnah's actions and Hannah's response highlights themes of faith, perseverance, and divine providence.

Peninnah's role, though not central, is crucial in understanding the dynamics that lead to Hannah's heartfelt prayer and vow to dedicate her son to the LORD. Her presence in the narrative underscores the challenges and complexities of polygamous family structures in ancient Israel and sets the stage for God's miraculous intervention in response to sincere prayer and devotion.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 1:2
And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Samuel the Boy Prophet
... Ephraim, lived at Ramah with his two wives, Hannah and ... he loved Hannah, he gave her
only one portion, for ... Peninnah made her angry by mocking her, for Jehovah ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samuel the boy prophet.htm

The History of Saul
... This history maketh mention that there was a man named Elkanah which had two wives,
that one was named Hannah, and the name of the second Peninnah. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

That the Church which Before had Been Barren Should have More ...
... not: because many more are the children of the desolate one than of her ... And in the
first of Kings it is said that Elkanah had two wives: Peninnah, with her ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/20 that the church which.htm

Fret not Thyself
... Elkanah had two wives. ... Peninnah took advantage of this to reproach Hannah, and it
is said she ... of others, and tease them; and if they see that some one can not ...
//christianbookshelf.org/naylor/heart talks/talk thirty fret not thyself.htm