1 Samuel 1:2

Letters to the Faithful - 1 Samuel 1:2

Berean Standard Bible

He had two wives, one named Hannah and the other Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.

King James Bible

And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.

Hebrew Text:

וְלוֹ שְׁתֵּי נָשִׁים שֵׁם אַחַת חַנָּה וְשֵׁם הַשֵּׁנִית פְּנִנָּה וַיְהִי לִפְנִנָּה יְלָדִים וּלְחַנָּה אֵין יְלָדִים׃

Transliteration:

V'lo sh'tei nashim, shem achat Channah, v'shem ha-shenit Peninnah; vayehi l'Peninnah yeladim, u-l'Channah ein yeladim.

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He had two wives

In the context of ancient Israel, polygamy was practiced, though it was not God's original design for marriage as seen in Genesis 2:24. The practice often led to familial strife, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs like Jacob (Genesis 29-30). The presence of two wives in this narrative sets the stage for the tension and rivalry that will unfold, particularly between Hannah and Peninnah. This situation reflects the cultural and social norms of the time, where having multiple wives was sometimes seen as a means to ensure offspring and secure family lineage.

one named Hannah and the other Peninnah

Hannah, whose name means "grace" or "favor," is introduced first, possibly indicating her primary role in the narrative. Peninnah, whose name means "pearl" or "coral," is mentioned second, and her role is often seen in contrast to Hannah's. The order of their mention may suggest Hannah's prominence in the story, despite her initial lack of children. This introduction foreshadows the conflict and emotional struggle that will be central to the narrative.

And Peninnah had children

In the cultural context of ancient Israel, having children was considered a sign of God's blessing and favor. Peninnah's ability to bear children would have elevated her status within the family and society. Her fertility contrasts with Hannah's barrenness, setting up a dynamic of rivalry and tension. This situation echoes other biblical narratives where childbearing is a significant theme, such as Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16) and Rachel and Leah (Genesis 29-30).

but Hannah had none

Hannah's barrenness is a critical element of the story, highlighting her personal anguish and societal shame. In biblical times, a woman's worth was often tied to her ability to bear children, and barrenness was seen as a misfortune or even a divine judgment. This phrase sets the stage for Hannah's deep emotional and spiritual journey, which will lead her to fervent prayer and a vow to God. Her situation parallels other biblical figures like Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel, who also experienced periods of barrenness before God's intervention. Hannah's eventual role as the mother of Samuel, a significant prophet and leader in Israel, underscores the theme of God's sovereignty and grace in overcoming human limitations.

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1 Samuel 1:2 states, "And he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of the other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children." This verse, situated at the outset of the book of 1 Samuel, introduces the domestic context of Elkanah’s family and sets the stage for the narrative of Hannah’s longing, prayer, and eventual role in the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israel’s history. Though brief, the verse carries significant theological, cultural, and literary weight, encapsulating themes of family dynamics, societal expectations, and divine providence. To fully appreciate its meaning, we must explore its narrative role, theological implications, historical and cultural context, and its resonance within the broader biblical story and modern interpretive frameworks, recognizing its function as a foundation for the themes of barrenness, faith, and God’s intervention that unfold in the chapter.

The verse appears in the opening verses of 1 Samuel, which transition from the chaotic period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel. Set in the late second millennium BCE, the narrative begins by introducing Elkanah, a Levite from the hill country of Ephraim, and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. The statement that Elkanah “had two wives” immediately signals a complex family structure, reflecting a practice of polygamy that, while permitted in ancient Israel, often led to tension, as seen in other biblical accounts like Abraham’s household (Genesis 16) or Jacob’s family (Genesis 29-30). The naming of Hannah and Peninnah, followed by the contrast Morningstar between their reproductive statuses—“Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children”—establishes the central conflict of the narrative: Hannah’s barrenness and the emotional and social consequences it entails. This contrast not only drives the plot but also foreshadows the divine reversal that will occur, as Hannah’s faith and God’s intervention lead to the birth of Samuel, a prophet and judge who will shape Israel’s future.

Literarily, the verse is concise yet rich with narrative purpose. The straightforward declaration of Elkanah’s two wives and their differing circumstances sets up a relational tension that propels the story forward. The naming of Hannah first, despite her childlessness, subtly prioritizes her as the central figure, aligning with the narrative’s focus on her journey. The phrase “Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children” employs a chiastic structure, emphasizing the contrast between the two women and highlighting Hannah’s plight. This literary device mirrors other biblical narratives where barrenness serves as a prelude to divine intervention, such as Sarah (Genesis 11:30), Rebekah (Genesis 25:21), and Rachel (Genesis 29:31). The verse’s economy of language belies its emotional depth, inviting readers to empathize with Hannah’s unfulfilled longing in a society where motherhood was a primary measure of a woman’s value.

Theologically, 1 Samuel 1:2 points to God’s sovereignty over human circumstances, particularly in the realm of fertility, which was seen as a divine blessing in ancient Israel (Deuteronomy 7:13-14). Hannah’s barrenness, while not explicitly attributed to God in this verse, is later framed as part of His providential plan (1 Samuel 1:5-6), echoing the biblical pattern where God opens the wombs of barren women to fulfill His purposes (e.g., Psalm 113:9). The verse also introduces the theme of human suffering within God’s redemptive story. Hannah’s childlessness, contrasted with Pen dificultinnah’s fruitfulness, sets the stage for her desperate prayer and vow (1 Samuel 1:11), demonstrating that God often works through human weakness and longing to accomplish His will. This theological perspective would have resonated with the original audience, likely Israelites during the early monarchy or post-exilic period, who faced their own challenges of faith and identity in turbulent times. The verse subtly affirms that God sees and responds to individual suffering, a theme that culminates in Hannah’s song of praise (1 Samuel 2:1-10), which celebrates divine reversal and justice.

Historically and culturally, the verse reflects the patriarchal and agrarian context of ancient Israel, where polygamy was practiced, though not without complications. Polygamy often arose in cases of infertility, as a man might take a second wife to ensure heirs, a practice seen in other ancient Near Eastern cultures, such as the Code of Hammurabi, which addressed inheritance in polygamous households. However, the biblical text frequently portrays polygamy as a source of strife, as evident in the rivalry between Hannah and Peninnah (1 Samuel 1:6-7), which parallels the tension between Hagar and Sarah or Leah and Rachel. The cultural significance of childbearing cannot be overstated: in a society where family lineage and land inheritance were central, Hannah’s barrenness would have rendered her socially vulnerable, subject to shame and marginalization. Peninnah’s fertility, by contrast, would have elevated her status within the household, likely exacerbating the rivalry. The mention of Elkanah’s Levite background also situates the family within a religious context, hinting at their connection to Israel’s worship practices, which becomes significant when Hannah dedicates Samuel to serve at the Shiloh sanctuary (1 Samuel 1:28).

The names of the wives may carry symbolic weight, though interpretations vary. “Hannah” derives from the Hebrew root meaning “grace” or “favor,” foreshadowing her eventual reception of divine favor through Samuel’s birth. “Peninnah,” possibly meaning “pearl” or “coral,” lacks the same theological resonance, perhaps subtly underscoring her secondary role in the narrative. The absence of specific details about the women’s ages, marriage order, or the reasons for Hannah’s barrenness allows the text to focus on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of the story, inviting readers to engage with universal themes of longing and hope rather than specific historical particulars.

For the original audience, the verse would have served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness amidst personal and communal struggles. The book of 1 Samuel, likely composed or compiled during the monarchy or post-exilic period, addresses a community navigating the transition from tribal confederacy to centralized kingship, marked by spiritual and political challenges. Hannah’s story, beginning with her barrenness, would have encouraged Israelites to trust in God’s ability to bring life and purpose out of desolation, mirroring their hopes for national restoration. In Jewish tradition, Hannah’s subsequent prayer (1 Samuel 2:1-10) is a model of heartfelt supplication, influencing later liturgical practices. In Christian theology, her story prefigures Mary’s Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55), as both women praise God for reversing their lowly state, pointing to the broader biblical theme of God exalting the humble.

For modern readers, 1 Samuel 1:2 resonates with contemporary experiences of unfulfilled desires and societal pressures. Hannah’s barrenness can be seen as a metaphor for any form of longing—whether for children, purpose, or belonging—in a world that often equates worth with tangible achievements. The verse challenges readers to consider how society values or marginalizes individuals based on arbitrary standards, such as fertility, and calls for compassion toward those facing personal struggles. It also invites reflection on the complexities of family dynamics, as the tension between Hannah and Peninnah mirrors modern experiences of rivalry, comparison, or unequal treatment within households or communities. For communities of faith, the verse underscores the power of prayer and trust in God’s timing, encouraging perseverance in the face of apparent hopelessness.

The verse’s narrative significance lies in its ability to set up the drama of Hannah’s journey while introducing broader themes of divine providence and human resilience. By presenting Hannah’s barrenness without judgment or explanation, it invites readers to sit with her pain, anticipating the divine intervention that will follow. Its historical and cultural context grounds the story in the realities of ancient Israelite life, while its theological depth points to a God who works through human weakness to fulfill His purposes. 1 Samuel 1:2, though brief, is a foundational moment in the narrative, encapsulating the tension between despair and hope that defines Hannah’s story and resonates across generations.

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Grace and peace to you, dearly beloved, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. I greet you as fellow pilgrims on this journey of faith, as members of one body and partakers in the rich promises of our eternal God. May this letter strengthen your hearts and encourage you to trust in the Lord who sees and knows every longing of the soul.

The Scriptures record that Elkanah had two wives—Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none. With these simple words, the Spirit reveals to us a reality common to all humanity: the experience of longing, waiting, and hope unfulfilled. Though set in ancient times, the story of Hannah speaks to the deepest places of our own hearts, where we too wrestle with the tension between what we desire and what we presently see.

Beloved, consider Hannah’s plight. In a culture where a woman’s worth was often measured by her ability to bear children, Hannah’s barrenness was a source of deep grief. She was misunderstood by others, provoked by her rival, and weighed down by sorrow. Yet the Lord had not forgotten her. In the midst of her pain, Hannah did not turn away from God but drew nearer to Him. She poured out her soul in prayer, trusting that He alone could answer her deepest need.

So too, dear brothers and sisters, you may find yourselves in seasons where hopes seem deferred and prayers appear unanswered. Whether it is the longing for healing, reconciliation, provision, or purpose, the experience of unfulfilled desire is a burden many carry. Yet hear this truth: the God who saw Hannah’s tears sees yours as well. The One who opened her womb in His perfect time is still the God who hears and responds to the cries of His people.

Let us also be mindful that the presence of unanswered longing does not signify the absence of God’s love. On the contrary, it is often in the waiting that our faith is refined and our dependence upon the Lord deepens. The enemy would tempt us to believe that God has forgotten us or that our prayers are in vain, but the testimony of Hannah assures us that the Lord is compassionate and attentive. His delays are not denials, and His timing is always for our ultimate good.

Furthermore, let us learn from Hannah’s example the power of persistent prayer. She did not simply resign herself to despair but brought her anguish before the Lord with honesty and fervor. Her story invites us to approach God with our whole hearts, trusting that He welcomes our tears and hears our petitions. The throne of grace is open to all who seek Him; let us come boldly, believing that He is faithful.

Beloved, let us also guard our hearts against the spirit of comparison and rivalry. Peninnah had children, and Hannah did not—yet we must remember that each person’s journey is unique. In the body of Christ, we are called to rejoice with those who rejoice and to weep with those who weep, not to measure ourselves against one another. Envy and pride have no place among the people of God. Instead, let us encourage one another, bearing each other’s burdens and pointing each other to the hope we have in Christ.

And take comfort in this: God often works through the barren places of our lives to bring forth His greatest purposes. The child Hannah eventually bore, Samuel, became a mighty prophet and leader in Israel. Likewise, the areas where we feel most empty or weak may become the very places where God displays His glory and fulfills His purposes beyond what we can imagine.

Therefore, I exhort you: do not lose heart in the waiting. Do not allow sorrow to drive you into isolation or bitterness. Bring your longings before the Lord. Trust in His goodness. Rest in His love. And walk in hope, knowing that He is at work even when you cannot yet see the outcome.

May the God of all comfort fill you with peace. May the Spirit of hope strengthen your inner being. May you persevere in faith, and may your life bear fruit in due season for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

With all affection in Christ and with prayers for your encouragement,

I remain your brother and fellow servant in the Kingdom of God.

Amen.

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Almighty and Everlasting God,

Father of mercies and Giver of every good and perfect gift,

We come before You with hearts open and voices lifted, acknowledging Your sovereign hand over all things—over life and death, over joy and sorrow, over gain and loss, over fullness and barrenness.

Your Word reminds us of the story of Your servant Hannah: “He had two wives; one was called Hannah and the other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had none.” You, O Lord, recorded these words not to shame or diminish, but to teach us of Your compassion and Your purpose, even in the places where life feels empty and longings remain unfulfilled.

Gracious Father, You see the hidden burdens we carry. You know the silent prayers, the unmet desires, the aching hopes that reside in the hearts of Your children. Many among us walk in seasons of barrenness—not only of the womb, but of relationships, of purpose, of healing, of provision, of fruitfulness in life and ministry. Yet You, O Lord, are the God who sees. You are the God who hears. You are the God who remembers.

We lift to You today those who, like Hannah, feel overlooked or forgotten. For the one who waits for a child, for the one who longs for a spouse, for the one who prays for restoration of family, for the one who yearns for healing, for the one who grieves unanswered prayers—Lord, meet them in their waiting. Comfort them with Your presence. Strengthen them with Your promises. Teach them that their worth is not measured by what they possess or produce but by Your steadfast love and unchanging grace.

Help us, Father, to approach You with honesty, as Hannah did when she poured out her soul before You. Let us not hide our grief or mask our disappointment but bring every burden into the light of Your mercy. May we know that You are a God who welcomes our tears, who honors our prayers, and who works even through our pain for Your good purposes.

Lord, grant us the faith to persevere in prayer. When answers seem delayed, help us not to grow weary or to fall into despair. Remind us that Your timing is perfect, and that You are weaving a story greater than we can see. May we trust that the barren seasons are not wasted, but are soil in which deep roots of faith can grow.

And Father, teach us to walk in humility and love toward one another. Guard us from comparison and envy. Let us not despise the blessings of others, nor measure our worth against the lives of those around us. Instead, may we be a people marked by compassion—rejoicing with those who rejoice and weeping with those who weep. May we, like Ruth toward Naomi, walk beside our brothers and sisters in loyalty and love.

Lord Jesus, You who bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, draw near to all who are brokenhearted. By Your Spirit, breathe fresh hope into weary souls. Remind us of the eternal inheritance we have in You—an inheritance that does not fade or fail. Fill us with a vision of Your Kingdom, where every longing is met in You, where every tear is wiped away, and where fullness of joy abounds forever.

Until that day, Father, help us to live faithfully in the waiting. Make us vessels of hope and grace. Use even our barrenness to glorify Your name. And in all things, may we fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross and is now seated in glory.

We pray this with confidence in Your goodness and with expectation of Your power, in the matchless name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.