1 Samuel 1:4

And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and her daughters, portions:

1 Samuel 1:4 (KJV)

Context

Elkanah, a man from the hill country of Ephraim, regularly traveled to Shiloh to worship and offer sacrifices at the tabernacle. This verse describes one such occasion. He gave portions of the sacrificial meat to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. These portions were shared as part of a peace offering, a meal of fellowship and thanksgiving before the Lord. The practice followed instructions found in Leviticus 3:4 and 7:15, where the offerer and his family ate together after the sacrifice.

Meaning

The verse reveals a family marked by both provision and pain. Elkanah provided for his household, yet he had two wives, Peninnah and Hannah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah was barren. The giving of portions shows outward religious observance, but it also exposes the tension within the home. Peninnah’s children intensified Hannah’s sorrow, as the next verse shows Elkanah giving Hannah a worthy portion because he loved her, even though the Lord had shut her womb.

Biblical connections

This distribution of meat connects to the peace offering, where worship and family celebration were joined. The Bible records polygamy in ancient Israel, but it consistently shows the strife it caused. Here, the contrast between Peninnah’s children and Hannah’s barrenness sets the stage for Hannah’s deep anguish and her later prayer. The narrative points to God’s intervention in human distress, even when worship continues as usual.

Application

Believers can learn that outward worship does not remove personal sorrow. Elkanah’s family worshipped, yet Hannah suffered. This calls us to bring our pain honestly before God, as Hannah later did. It also urges us to show compassion to those who suffer, rather than adding to their grief. Trusting God’s timing means waiting on Him even when circumstances seem unchanged.

Reflection

God sees the sorrow that others may overlook. Hannah’s barrenness was not hidden from Him, and He was preparing to answer her in His perfect time. This verse reminds us that worship and pain can coexist, and that God’s compassion reaches into the most difficult family situations.