Unveiling the Characters of First Samuel: Lessons from Hannah, Elkanah, and Peninnah

When we approach the Bible many of us ignore that not only are we reading the word of God but that we are also encountering one of the most beautiful pieces of literature known to mankind. Developing the portraits of the characters of any story is one of the most important elements of any narrative. Understanding the anatomy of the characters not only enhances our reading experience and enriches our understanding of the biblical text but it can also help us grasp the development of the events and come out with some valuable lessons for our own lives in ways that would be otherwise missed. In this short article I will attempt to approach the characters in the opening narrative of First Samuel, surrounding the birth of Israel’s last and greatest judges, Samuel.

In the opening chapters of First Samuel, we encounter Elkanah and Peninnah—two biblical characters who are mentioned only here and nowhere else in the entire Bible. Though they are shrouded in mystery and their mention is brief and lacking in detail, their appearance on the scene—as you will see in a moment—plays a critical role in how the events of the narrative unfold. More importantly, we can glean a handful of takeaways from the dynamics of this narrative for our lives today.

Introducing the Characters

The name Elkanah means “God has gotten (or begotten),” or “God has created [a son].” Elkanah is portrayed as a devout and faithful worshipper who frequents Shiloh, where the tabernacle and the ark of the covenant were, to worship the God of Israel and present his sacrifices. In this narrative we read, “Now [Elkanah] used to go up year by year from his city to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts at Shiloh” (1 Samuel 1:3). He was probably a man of financial means since he is the only commoner explicitly cited in the books of Samuel and Kings to have had more than one wife. Elkanah’s family consisted of his wife Hannah (whose name means “grace” ), his other wife Peninnah (whose name means “pearl” or “ruby” ), and his children from Peninnah. The Bible introduces his wives this way: “The name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah” (1 Samuel 1:2). The order of mention suggests that Elkanah had married Hannah first, and then, likely due to her barrenness, married Peninnah afterward to ensure that he has a male heir. (Marrying a second or even a third wife to secure posterity [especially a male] if the first wife is not able to conceive is still a common practice in the Near East to this day among non-Christians.)

Role in Developing the Narrative

While the story of Samuel’s birth and dedication to the LORD seems to be focused on his mother Hannah, both Elkanah and Peninnah played a major role in how the events unfolded. Peninnah’s provocation and envy toward Hannah were exactly what motivated Hannah to pour out her heart before the LORD urging him to grant her a son. When she went to worship and petition the LORD for a child, the Bible tells us that Hannah’s soul was so bitter that she could not even speak audibly to the point that the high priest thought that she had been drinking in the house of the LORD (1 Samuel 12–16). Had it not been for Peninnah’s bitter rivalry against her, Hannah probably would not have been so “bitter in soul” (1 Samuel 1:10) before the LORD in her prayer, which was the reason why the LORD “remembered her” (1 Samuel 1:19) and gave her the son whom “from the LORD [she had] asked” (1 Samuel 1:20).

On the other hand, Elkanah’s love toward Hannah is what motivated him to confirm her vow and allow it to stand. According to the Old Testament (Numbers 30:10-15), the husband held the power to either nullify or confirm his wife’s vows. It was because Elkanah recognized Hannah’s brokenness of heart and bitterness of soul that he allowed her to dedicate her first son to the service of the LORD as a nazarite. This helped advance God’s plan and allowed Samuel to become God’s servant and one of the most key figures in the Old Testament and in the history of Israel at large.

Interaction with other Characters

In terms of the nature of her character Peninnah is portrayed as a static character who is filled with envy and jealousy. At the beginning of the plot, she is depicted as provocative rival to Hannah and the author seems deliberately silent at the conclusion of the story concerning her reaction when Hannah had her first child, Samuel—although one can reasonably conclude that it only contributed to deepening her envy and jealousy toward Hannah even further.

Elkanah on the other hand is described as a dynamic character who seems to have developed and matured over time. At some point early in the narrative we read that Elkanah almost rebuked his wife Hannah for desiring to have a child of her own so desperately: “And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, ‘Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?’” (1 Samuel 1:8). But after having been insensitive toward Hannah and her need to bear children of her own, and after having been unable to understand that his love toward her could never compensate for her lack of children, Elkanah seems to have developed a deeper understanding of his wife Hannah’s needs and actively participated in carrying out her vow (1 Samuel 1:21).

In terms of her interaction with other characters, Peninnah’s jealousy toward Hannah caused her to provoke Hannah and gloat over Hannah’s lack of posterity year after year (1 Samuel 1:6). This rivalry relationship between Hannah and Peninnah doubtless created tensions in Elkanah’s household. Elkanah does not seem to have understood that Peninnah needed his love and affection as much as Hannah did. He seems either ignorant of the tense family dynamics, or intentionally ignored the rivalry between his two wives. He appears to be insensitive or at least less empathetic than expected to the needs of his wife Hannah to have children of her own. But not only was he insensitive toward Hannah’s needs but he was also unfair in his treatment toward his other wife Peninnah and her children. The Bible makes his bias clear: “On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the LORD had closed her womb” (1 Samuel 1:4–5). Elkanah did not understand that showing affection toward Peninnah and being fair in his annual portion distribution could have eased some of the tension in his household.

God in the Storyline

Though this narrative seems to be centered around these human characters, one cannot miss its most pivotal character yet—the LORD himself. At first glance, the role that God plays in this plot may be hard to discern. But as we will see in a moment, this storyline is really all about the key role the LORD plays in orchestrating the events and circumstances to develop and advance his plan.

Though not much is mentioned regarding Peninnah’s relationship with God, one can observe from her behavior, which is full of jealousy and envy against Hannah, that she was insufficiently submissive to God’s plan and inadequately subservient to his will. In circumstances such as these, one would expect Peninnah to be empathetic and kind toward Hannah, whose heart was full of sorrow and bitterness caused by her barrenness. This would be the natural human response in this case. Instead Peninnah’s heart toward Hannah was full of resentment and rivalry.

Elkanah’s relationship with God is portrayed as strong and consistent. Elkanah went up to Shiloh every year (1 Samuel 1:3, 21). He was blessed with plenty of offspring (1:2; 2:21), which was considered a sign of God’s blessing by Old Testament standards. At a time when many of the religious and community leaders of Israel were corrupt (know as the Period of the Judges), Elkanah was one of the few Israelites who remained faithful to the God of Israel.

The background information contained in the story of Samuel’s conception and birth provide the backdrop of God’s working through the dynamics and despite the circumstances in Elkanah’s household. God worked through the jealous and envious nature of Peninnah’s feelings toward Hannah, and through the obliviousness (or deliberate ignorance) of her husband Elkanah to bring about the circumstances which resulted in the birth of Israel’s greatest judge—Samuel. Not only was Samuel Israel’s most righteous judge but he also crowned Israel’s first king, Saul, and its greatest king, David! God in his creative power does not always create things from nothing—sometimes he brings beauty and righteousness out of corruption and evil!

Key Takeaways

Elkanah’s ignorance toward the needs of both his wives is a lesson to be learned from: ignorance does not excuse insensitivity. The reader can also learn from Elkanah’s dedication reflected in his annual trips to Shiloh that he acknowledged God’s importance to his entire family. God in return blessed him and the rest of his family. Furthermore, Elkanah’s support of his wife Hannah, her desires, and her vows is another lesson to husbands to be supportive rather than dismissive of their wives’ needs and to be respectful of their personal vows and commitments to God.

Peninnah’s behavior toward Hannah teaches the reader that jealousy can never be an excuse for envious behavior toward others. Peninnah’s continued provocation of Hannah also proves that God can always work through the direst of circumstances including family messes.

In conclusion, while Elkanah and Peninnah seem at first glance to be marginal characters in the storyline, from a literary standpoint the author certainly intended for his reader to appreciate how they—intentionally or unintentionally—propelled the dramatic events forward, which climaxed for this passage at the birth and dedication of Samuel to the service of God. It should be obvious that the author also intended for the reader of this narrative to recognize the lessons to be learned from this plot, culminating in how God can use even human envy, jealousy, unfavorable circumstances, and adverse surroundings to carry forward his plan while producing beauty and splendor.

Finally, almost every biblical narrative is constructed like a beautiful piece of architecture, meticulously put together. Our ability to see how the various pieces relate to each other and complement one another is pivotal to our ability to get the most out of God’s word and appreciate not only its spiritual beauty but also its literary value. I hope and pray that, if you are reading these words, the next time you open your Bible to read it, you approach it with a keen eye and a mind desiring to dig deeper and deeper every time.

Until then, be blessed in our Lord Jesus and continue to abide in his presence. Amen!