This verse marks the commencement of a humble family story destined to reshape the spiritual and political landscape of Israel.
“Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.” (1 Sam 1:1)
This opening verse sets the stage for the birth narrative of the prophet Samuel, who would play a pivotal role in Israel’s transition from the era of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. We learn that Elkanah, Samuel’s father, hailed from Ramathaim-zophim in the mountainous region of Ephraim, located roughly ten to fifteen miles north of Jerusalem. Sometimes also referred to simply as “Ramah,” this town later becomes famously connected to Samuel’s life and ministry. Historically, these events occurred around the late 11th century BC or circa 1100 BC, placing them near the end of the time of the judges.
The genealogical details—“the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph”—emphasize Elkanah’s heritage within the tribe of Ephraim. Connecting Elkanah so specifically to his forefathers underscores the importance of Samuel’s family line in the biblical account. In fact, Ramah continued to be Samuel’s center of activity throughout his prophetic career, reflected later when Samuel would return to his hometown after key events (1 Sam 1:19). This location is indeed identified as Elkanah and Hannah’s home, showing their roots in the hill country of Ephraim.
By beginning his narrative with the mention of Elkanah’s lineage, the writer signals how the birth of Samuel is part of God’s unfolding plan of leadership for Israel. Through Elkanah and his wife Hannah, God will introduce Samuel, the last major judge of Israel and the one who will eventually anoint Israel’s first kings, Saul and David. This reveals God’s sovereign preparation of a faithful leader long before the people realize their own need for one.
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1 Samuel 1:1 meaning
“Now there was a certain man from Ramathaim-zophim from the hill country of Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.” (1 Sam 1:1)
This opening verse sets the stage for the birth narrative of the prophet Samuel, who would play a pivotal role in Israel’s transition from the era of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. We learn that Elkanah, Samuel’s father, hailed from Ramathaim-zophim in the mountainous region of Ephraim, located roughly ten to fifteen miles north of Jerusalem. Sometimes also referred to simply as “Ramah,” this town later becomes famously connected to Samuel’s life and ministry. Historically, these events occurred around the late 11th century BC or circa 1100 BC, placing them near the end of the time of the judges.
The genealogical details—“the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph”—emphasize Elkanah’s heritage within the tribe of Ephraim. Connecting Elkanah so specifically to his forefathers underscores the importance of Samuel’s family line in the biblical account. In fact, Ramah continued to be Samuel’s center of activity throughout his prophetic career, reflected later when Samuel would return to his hometown after key events (1 Sam 1:19). This location is indeed identified as Elkanah and Hannah’s home, showing their roots in the hill country of Ephraim.
By beginning his narrative with the mention of Elkanah’s lineage, the writer signals how the birth of Samuel is part of God’s unfolding plan of leadership for Israel. Through Elkanah and his wife Hannah, God will introduce Samuel, the last major judge of Israel and the one who will eventually anoint Israel’s first kings, Saul and David. This reveals God’s sovereign preparation of a faithful leader long before the people realize their own need for one.