ELKANAH 

            Surprisingly, the book of I Samuel opens not with big names like Saul, David or Jonathan, but with a little known Elkanah and his wife Hannah. Even as between Elkanah and Hannah, many know about Hannah, and not Elkanah. We overlook the good qualities of Elkanah in the midst of Hanna's sacrificial offer and the birth of prophet Samuel. A close scrutiny of the life of Elkanah would show to prove that he was a person of exemplary character and conduct. I wish to share a few thoughts on the life of Elkanah.

Thought 1:    The Lord had ordered the Israelites "to celebrate a festival to Him" at the place appointed by Him three times a year (Exodus 23/14).  Elkanah was regular in visiting Shiloh, the God's appointed place (Joshua 18/1) along with his 2 wives and children. His visit to the appointed place has been mentioned twice in the first chapter itself. You may wonder as to why I am mentioning this here as if, it is a special effort. You may also think that he is after all obeying one of the God's commandments. In this context, I wish to recall his family circumstances mentioned in the opening chapter of I Samuel. Two bitterly jealous wives had a long standing quarrel, Peninnah taunting Hannah because of her infertility. This taunting and provoking continued for several years and Peninnah did not spare Hannah even when they visit the House of the Lord. There was no oneness or peace in the family. Yet, Elkana did not fail to visit the House of the Lord and pay the offerings. He did not allow the difficulties in the family to affect his relationship with God. Whenever, peace in the family is disturbed or oneness receive a beating, these directly tell upon the spiritual growth. We skip going to church, reading scriptures and praying. We are unable to set aside the emotional disturbances caused due to the problems in the families. But Elkanah effectively overcame that. He deserves our appreciation.

Thought 2:    Elkanah's wife, Hannah was childless. Yet, Elkanah continued to love Hannah. Even after so much of cultural and social development, the world today look the childless women with contempt and treat them as untouchables. But Elkanah proved to the world that he was a different person. He loved her so much, despite her deficiencies. For him, she was no way inferior to other women including Penninah. That was why he gave double portion of the sacrifice to Hannah. (1 Sam 1/5). Whenever Peninnah provoked Hanna, Elkana would comfort Hannah by saying "Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" What does this mean? It means that Elkanah is saying that she need not worry over not bearing a child as he is loving her more than the sons (I Sam 1/8). In other words ,she cannot expect such a degree of love even from her children. Who could say such comforting words? Elkanah is certainly a different person.

Thought 3:    When God blessed Hannah with a child, she wanted to dedicate the child for Lord's work as per her vow. When she asked Elkanah's consent, Elkanah said, "Do what seems best to you" (I Sam 1/23). Elkanah is Samuel's father . He has his own views and wishes. Yet,he honoured Hannah's vow. If Hannah had made this vow without the consent of Elkanah, the principles laid down in book of Numbers (30^th Chapter) empower him to cancel or modify the vow. But Elkanah did not do so. Dedicating Samuel for Lord's work was done with Elkanah's full concurrence. Therefore, whatever credit goes to Hannah in placing Samuel for Lord's work, should go to Elkanah too. This is confirmed in what Eli says in I Sam 2/20. He says, "May the Lord give you other children by this woman to take the place of the one you dedicated to Him". Here the word "you" refers to Elkanah.

2.         As a carry home memory,  I would like to summarise the good qualities found in the life of Elkanah as below;

            a)         He was a faithful follower of God's commandments.

            b)        His family problems did not affect his relationship with God.

            c)         He honoured the vow made by his wife Hannah.

            d)        He was a strong supporter of his wife during her childless days.

3.         Whenever we think of Hannah and Samuel, let us not forget to think Elkanah also.

JOSEPH STEPHEN

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