Elkanah is a significant figure in the Old Testament, known primarily as the father of the prophet Samuel. His account is primarily found in the first book of Samuel, where he is introduced as a man of devout faith and dedication to the Lord.

Genealogy and Family Background

Elkanah was a Levite, a descendant of the tribe of Levi, which was set apart for religious duties and service to the tabernacle. Specifically, Elkanah was an Ephraimite, as he lived in the hill country of Ephraim. His lineage is detailed in 1 Samuel 1:1: "There was a man from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite."

Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was initially barren, which caused her great distress. Despite this, Elkanah showed deep love and compassion for Hannah, giving her a double portion of the sacrificial offerings, as noted in 1 Samuel 1:5: "But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her even though the LORD had closed her womb."

Religious Devotion and Pilgrimage

Elkanah is depicted as a man of religious devotion, regularly making pilgrimages to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the Lord. This practice is highlighted 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, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD."

His commitment to these religious duties underscores his faithfulness and adherence to the Mosaic Law, which required such pilgrimages and sacrifices.

Role in the Birth and Dedication of Samuel

Elkanah's role in the birth and dedication of Samuel is pivotal. After years of barrenness, Hannah prayed fervently for a child, vowing to dedicate him to the Lord's service. The Lord answered her prayer, and she bore a son, Samuel. Elkanah supported Hannah's vow, demonstrating his own faith and commitment to God. In 1 Samuel 1:23, Elkanah says to Hannah, "Do what seems best to you. Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD confirm His word."

After Samuel was weaned, Elkanah accompanied Hannah to Shiloh to present Samuel to the Lord, fulfilling the vow. This act of dedication is a testament to Elkanah's faith and his role in nurturing Samuel's future as a prophet and judge over Israel.

Legacy

Elkanah's legacy is primarily seen through his son Samuel, who became one of the greatest prophets and leaders in Israel's history. Elkanah's faithfulness and support of Hannah's vow played a crucial role in Samuel's life and ministry. Through his lineage and devotion, Elkanah contributed to the spiritual heritage of Israel, underscoring the importance of faith and obedience to God's will.1 Samuel 1:1,4,8,19,21,23
Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:
Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 2:11,20
And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister to the LORD before Eli the priest.
Nave's Topical Index

1 Chronicles 6:27,34
Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son.
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The father-in-law of Moses is called Jethro in Exodus 3:1 ... He was a priest of Bamah,
Samuel, the son of Elkanah, who had acquired the reputation of being a ...
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Who was Elkanah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Hannah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

What is the story of Hannah and Samuel? | GotQuestions.org

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