1 samuel 1:2 - He had two wives. The name of one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
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What does "1 samuel 1:2" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 1:2 introduces a key conflict within the story of Samuel. It establishes the following:
Elkanah's Polygamy: The verse states that Elkanah, a Levite, had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. This practice, while not uncommon in that era, often led to complex family dynamics and competition.
Fertility Imbalance: Peninnah was fertile and had children. Hannah, on the other hand, was barren and had no children.
Setting the Stage for Conflict: This difference in fertility creates a power imbalance between the two wives. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's value was often tied to her ability to bear children, particularly sons, to carry on the family line. Hannah's barrenness would have been seen as a source of shame and sorrow. Peninnah's fertility would have given her higher social standing and likely more favor from Elkanah (or at least the perception of more favor).
In summary, the verse is important because it lays the groundwork for understanding Hannah's deep distress and sets the stage for her passionate prayer for a child, which ultimately leads to the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israelite history. The verse isn't just stating facts; it's highlighting a problem that will drive the narrative.
1 samuel 1:2 - He had two wives. The name of one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children.
What does "1 samuel 1:2" mean?
This verse from 1 Samuel 1:2 introduces a key conflict within the story of Samuel. It establishes the following:
Elkanah's Polygamy: The verse states that Elkanah, a Levite, had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. This practice, while not uncommon in that era, often led to complex family dynamics and competition.
Fertility Imbalance: Peninnah was fertile and had children. Hannah, on the other hand, was barren and had no children.
Setting the Stage for Conflict: This difference in fertility creates a power imbalance between the two wives. In ancient Israelite society, a woman's value was often tied to her ability to bear children, particularly sons, to carry on the family line. Hannah's barrenness would have been seen as a source of shame and sorrow. Peninnah's fertility would have given her higher social standing and likely more favor from Elkanah (or at least the perception of more favor).
In summary, the verse is important because it lays the groundwork for understanding Hannah's deep distress and sets the stage for her passionate prayer for a child, which ultimately leads to the birth of Samuel, a pivotal figure in Israelite history. The verse isn't just stating facts; it's highlighting a problem that will drive the narrative.