Three Character Studies: 1 Samuel 1:19-28
God can do anything; our task is trusting His ability to do what He says. If God can make the mountains, can He not move them? If God can create human beings, can He not move them as well?
The day after Hannah’s prayer, Elkanah, his two wives, and his children from Peninnah worship and return home. Once home, Hannah conceives and bears a child. The following year, when it is time for Elkanah to return to his service at the altar, Hannah stays home to care for the child. This practice continues until the child is weaned, which is generically considered three years of age.
I find Elkanah to be a fascinating understated character in this story. Because he plays such a small role, he seems plain. However, there are clues to indicate he is true to his word. When consoling Hannah earlier in the story, he asked her if he was not worth ten sons. His focus is on their marriage. He does not judge Hannah by her inability to produce an heir. Granted, producing an heir was important to him to keep the genealogical line going, which is why he married Peninah and had children with her. But that doesn’t imply he looked down upon Hannah for her barrenness.
He demonstrates his marital focus when Hannah explains her prayer. When describing her plan to give Samuel over to the priests to raise him up, Elkanah readily goes along with the plan. He buys in without difficulty. If Hannah’s ability to produce an heir was important, he would have resisted the plan and clung to Samuel. Being a man of God, he sees God in Hannah’s life and goes along with the plan.
On the other hand, we return to Eli the priest. He is absent from this story. When Hannah explains who she is and why she is giving up the son to him, he gives no reply. I’m sure he did reply; to not reply would be inconceivably rude. As his reply is unmentioned, Eli demonstrates his lack of spirituality. A barren woman giving birth after entrusting her burden to God should evoke something significant from Eli! Thus, we have the character of Eli. Again, he cannot be bothered to care.
This story also demonstrates Hanah’s character. She is faithful to her vow, proving this by giving over her son. In giving her son to Eli, she displays how deep her faith truly is! Hannah must realize how ill-prepared Eli is to equip Samuel with a relationship with God. That’s likely why she took the first three years of his life and spent it with him, teaching Samuel faith. But she also knows the God who can open her barren womb is more than capable of teaching Samuel about Himself. In giving Samuel over to Eli, she puts her incredible faith in God on full display. God can do anything; our task is trusting His ability to do what He says.
