Topical Bible: Vows of Elkanah

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Topical Encyclopedia

Elkanah, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is primarily known as the husband of Hannah and the father of the prophet Samuel. His account is found in the opening chapters of the First Book of Samuel. Elkanah was an Ephraimite from the hill country of Ephraim, specifically from Ramathaim-zophim (1 Samuel 1:1). He was a devout man who regularly worshiped and sacrificed to the LORD at Shiloh, where the tabernacle was located.

Context and Family Background

Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren, which caused her great distress. Despite this, Elkanah loved Hannah deeply and sought to comfort her, saying, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8). His words reflect his affection and concern for Hannah, even though her barrenness was a source of personal and social anguish.

The Vow of Hannah

While Elkanah himself is not recorded as making a specific vow, his role is crucial in the context of Hannah's vow. During one of their annual visits to Shiloh, Hannah made a vow to the LORD, saying, "O LORD of Hosts, if only You will look upon the affliction of Your maidservant and remember me, not forgetting Your maidservant but giving her a son, then I will dedicate him to the LORD all the days of his life, and no razor shall ever come over his head" (1 Samuel 1:11). This vow was a Nazarite vow, indicating a life set apart for God's service.

Elkanah's Support and Fulfillment of the Vow

Elkanah's support of Hannah's vow is implicit in the narrative. After God answered Hannah's prayer and she bore a son, Samuel, she reminded Elkanah of her vow. Elkanah's response was one of affirmation and support: "Do what seems best to you," he told her. "Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD confirm His word" (1 Samuel 1:23). This response indicates Elkanah's respect for Hannah's spiritual commitment and his own faithfulness to the LORD.

Once Samuel was weaned, Hannah took him to Shiloh to fulfill her vow, presenting him to Eli the priest. Elkanah accompanied her, bringing the necessary sacrifices to the LORD (1 Samuel 1:24-25). This act of worship and sacrifice underscores Elkanah's role as a faithful Israelite who honored God and supported his wife's spiritual dedication.

Significance

Elkanah's account, particularly in relation to Hannah's vow, highlights the importance of faithfulness and support within a family. His willingness to honor Hannah's vow and his participation in the sacrificial system reflect a deep commitment to God. Elkanah's life and actions serve as a backdrop to the birth and dedication of Samuel, who would become one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges. Through Elkanah's support, the narrative demonstrates the significance of family unity and spiritual dedication in fulfilling God's purposes.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 1:21
And the man Elkanah, and all his house, went up to offer to the LORD the yearly sacrifice, and his vow.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... What a rich reward did Elkanah and Hannah receive by their training up Samuel ... In
marriage, in holy baptism, she has made vows unto God, and he says to her, pay ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ...
... against the licentious views of Jovinianus, which have already induced many virgins
to break their vows; and which ... 4797] Hannah, the wife of Elkanah, by fasting ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/book ii jerome answers the.htm