1 Samuel 1:1-2: The Story of Hannah and Her Prayer
The Introduction to the Story
The book of 1 Samuel introduces us to the story of Hannah, a woman who would become a crucial figure in the history of Israel. In 1 Samuel 1:1-2, we are introduced to Hannah and her story, which sets the stage for the rest of the book.
The Family of Elkanah
There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from 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. (1 Samuel 1:1, NIV)
The passage introduces us to Elkanah, a man from Ramathaim, who is described as a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim. We are also given a detailed genealogy of Elkanah, tracing his lineage back to Zuph.
The Two Wives of Elkanah
He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. (1 Samuel 1:2, NIV)
The passage then tells us that Elkanah had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. While Peninnah had children, Hannah was barren, unable to conceive. This sets the stage for Hannah's prayer and the events that would unfold.
Conclusion
In 1 Samuel 1:1-2, we are introduced to the story of Hannah, a woman who would become a crucial figure in the history of Israel. We learn about her family, her husband Elkanah, and her struggle with barrenness. This sets the stage for Hannah's prayer and the events that would unfold in the rest of the book.
