In the biblical narrative, favoritism is a recurring theme that often leads to familial tension and conflict. One notable instance of favoritism is found in the account of Elkanah and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah, as recorded in the book of 1 Samuel.

Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim, had two wives: Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. Despite Hannah's inability to bear children, Elkanah showed her special favor, which is evident in the way he treated her during their annual pilgrimage to Shiloh to worship and sacrifice to the LORD of Hosts. The Berean Standard Bible recounts this favoritism in 1 Samuel 1:4-5: "Whenever the day came for Elkanah to sacrifice, he would give portions of the meat to his wife Peninnah and to all her sons and daughters. But to Hannah he would give a double portion, for he loved her, even though the LORD had closed her womb."

Elkanah's favoritism towards Hannah is further highlighted by his tender words to her in 1 Samuel 1:8 : "And her husband Elkanah would ask 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?'" These words reveal Elkanah's deep affection for Hannah and his desire to comfort her despite her barrenness.

The favoritism Elkanah showed towards Hannah, while rooted in love, also contributed to the rivalry and tension between Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah, perhaps feeling slighted by Elkanah's preferential treatment of Hannah, would provoke and taunt Hannah, exacerbating her distress over her childlessness. This dynamic is captured in 1 Samuel 1:6-7 : "Because the LORD had closed Hannah’s womb, her rival would provoke her and taunt her viciously. And this went on year after year. Whenever Hannah went up to the house of the LORD, her rival taunted her until she wept and would not eat."

Elkanah's favoritism towards Hannah is a poignant example of how preferential treatment within a family can lead to discord and emotional pain. While Elkanah's love for Hannah was genuine, the resulting tension with Peninnah underscores the complexities and challenges that favoritism can introduce into familial relationships.1 Samuel 1:4,5
And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:
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