Topical Bible: Rising: Elkanah

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Elkanah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known as the father of the prophet Samuel. His account is found in the book of 1 Samuel, where he is depicted as a devout and faithful man, playing a crucial role in the spiritual history of Israel.

Family and Lineage

Elkanah was an Ephraimite, residing in Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was a Levite by descent, as indicated in 1 Chronicles 6:27-28, which traces his lineage back to Kohath, one of the sons of Levi. This Levitical heritage underscores his connection to the religious life of Israel.

Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was initially barren, which caused her great distress. Despite this, Elkanah loved Hannah deeply and sought to comfort her, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:5, "But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved Hannah, but the LORD had closed her womb."

Religious Devotion

Elkanah is portrayed as a man of religious devotion and piety. He regularly traveled to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts, as described in 1 Samuel 1:3, "Year after year this man would go up from his city to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts at Shiloh." This annual pilgrimage highlights his commitment to the worship of God and adherence to the religious practices of his time.

Role in Hannah's Vow

Elkanah's role in the narrative of Hannah's vow is significant. When Hannah prayed fervently for a child and vowed to dedicate him to the LORD, Elkanah supported her decision. After Samuel's birth, Elkanah agreed with Hannah's plan to present Samuel to the LORD at Shiloh, as seen in 1 Samuel 1:23, "Do what seems best to you," Elkanah her husband told her. "Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD confirm His word." This support underscores his faith and trust in God's plan.

Father of Samuel

Elkanah's most notable contribution to biblical history is his fatherhood of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets and the last judge of Israel. Samuel's leadership was pivotal during a transitional period in Israel's history, as he anointed the first two kings of Israel, Saul and David. Elkanah's faithfulness and dedication to God set the stage for Samuel's significant role in guiding the nation.

Legacy

Elkanah's legacy is one of faithfulness, devotion, and support for his family. His life exemplifies the importance of religious commitment and the impact of godly leadership within the family. Through his support of Hannah and his role as Samuel's father, Elkanah contributed to the spiritual heritage of Israel, influencing the course of its history through his son, Samuel.

Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Child Samuel.
... hill of Ramah, not far from what is now Jerusalem, a certain man named Elkanah,
whose wife ... was in his face as he looked out to the east and the rising sun; and ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

Dialogue ii. --The Unconfounded.
... 1282] and He made Lazarus sit with Him at the table [1283] and so shewed the reality
of the rising again. ... Of the same from his discourse on Elkanah and Hannah ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue ii the unconfounded.htm

Dialogue i. --The Immutable.
... by purest gold of the word of God.". Of the same from his discourse on
Elkanah and Hannah:". "Bring me then, O Samuel, the Heifer ...
/.../theodoret/the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/dialogue i the immutable.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... He was a priest of Bamah, Samuel, the son of Elkanah, who had acquired the reputation
of being a just and wise judge in the towns of Bethel, Gilgal, and Mizpah ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm