Topical Encyclopedia Elkanah is a notable figure in the Bible, recognized for his role as a devoted husband and father. He is primarily mentioned in the first book of Samuel, where his life and actions provide a model of faithfulness and godly leadership within the family.Background and Family Elkanah was an Ephraimite, residing in the hill country of Ephraim. He is introduced in 1 Samuel 1:1-2: "Now there was a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none." Elkanah's family situation was complex due to his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. This polygamous arrangement, while culturally accepted at the time, led to tension and rivalry, particularly because Peninnah had children while Hannah was barren. Devotion and Worship Elkanah is depicted as a devout man who regularly worshiped the Lord. He made annual pilgrimages to Shiloh to offer sacrifices and worship, demonstrating his commitment to God and his role as the spiritual leader of his household. 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." Supportive Husband Elkanah's relationship with Hannah is particularly noteworthy. Despite her barrenness, he showed her deep love and compassion. In 1 Samuel 1:5, it is written, "But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb." This act of giving a double portion signifies his special affection and support for Hannah, even in her distress. When Hannah expressed her deep sorrow and desire for a child, Elkanah responded with understanding and tenderness. He asked her, "Hannah, why are you weeping? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?" (1 Samuel 1:8). This question reflects his desire to comfort her and assure her of his love. Encouragement of Faith Elkanah's encouragement of Hannah's faith is evident when she made a vow to dedicate her future son to the Lord. After Hannah prayed fervently at the tabernacle, Elkanah supported her decision to fulfill her vow. When the time came to present their son Samuel to the Lord, Elkanah accompanied Hannah to Shiloh, affirming his role as a supportive and godly husband. 1 Samuel 1:21-23 describes this: "Then the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the LORD the annual sacrifice and to fulfill his vow. But Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, 'After the boy is weaned, I will take him to appear before the LORD and stay there permanently.' 'Do what you think is best,' her husband Elkanah replied, 'and stay here until you have weaned him. Only may the LORD confirm His word.' So Hannah stayed and nursed her son until she had weaned him." Legacy Elkanah's legacy is marked by his faithfulness to God and his family. His support and encouragement of Hannah's spiritual commitments contributed to the birth and dedication of Samuel, who would become one of Israel's greatest prophets and judges. Through his actions, Elkanah exemplifies the qualities of a good husband: love, support, spiritual leadership, and faithfulness. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 1:4,5And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Domestic Relation. Against Jovinianus. Book ii. Jerome Answers the Second, Third, and Fourth Propositions ... Resources What does the Bible say about being a Christian wife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about an unhappy marriage? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about women pastors? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Husbands: Duties of, not to Interfere With Their Duties to Christ Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: Not to Leave Them, Though Unbelieving Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To be Faithful to Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Comfort Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Consult With Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Dwell With Them for Life Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Love Them Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Regard Them As Themselves Husbands: Duty of, to Wives: To Respect Them Husbands: Have Authority Over Their Wives Husbands: should Have But One Wife Related Terms |
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