Elkanah is a biblical figure mentioned 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 man from the tribe of Levi, residing in the hill country of Ephraim. Elkanah's lineage is detailed in 1 Samuel 1:1, which states, "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."

Elkanah is noted for his piety and regular worship practices. He made annual pilgrimages to Shiloh to offer sacrifices 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, where Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the LORD."

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 affection for Hannah, giving her a double portion of the sacrificial offerings, as recorded 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."

Hannah's fervent prayers for a child were eventually answered, and she bore a son named Samuel, whom she dedicated to the LORD's service. Elkanah supported Hannah's vow to dedicate Samuel to the LORD, demonstrating his faithfulness and commitment to God’s will. This is evident in 1 Samuel 1:23, where Elkanah says, "Do what seems best to you. Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the LORD confirm His word."

Elkanah's role in the narrative of Samuel's birth and dedication highlights his faithfulness and obedience to God. His support of Hannah's vow and his regular worship practices underscore his devotion to the LORD.

The mention of Elkanah as "possibly identical with number three above" suggests a potential identification with another Elkanah mentioned in the genealogies of the Levites. In 1 Chronicles 6, Elkanah is listed among the descendants of Kohath, a son of Levi, which may indicate a connection or identification with other individuals bearing the same name within the Levitical lineage. This connection emphasizes the importance of Elkanah's heritage and his role in the spiritual history of Israel.

Elkanah's account, particularly his relationship with Hannah and their son Samuel, serves as a testament to the power of prayer, faith, and dedication to God's service. His life and actions are integral to the narrative of Israel's history and the establishment of the prophetic ministry through Samuel.1 Chronicles 6:26,35
As for Elkanah: the sons of Elkanah; Zophai his son, and Nahath his son,
Nave's Topical Index

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... The sanctuary of Ophrah was possibly in existence before the time ... defeat of the house
of Joseph, a number of whom ... of Bamah, Samuel, the son of Elkanah, who had ...
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