This verse portrays a family’s unity in worship and points toward God’s unfolding plan through Samuel’s birth.
When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters. (v.4) This verse describes an important aspect of worship in ancient Israel, when families gathered to offer sacrifices to the LORD at Shiloh. Shiloh was located in the central highlands of Ephraim, roughly 20 miles north of Jerusalem, and at this time in Israel’s history (late 12th to early 11th century BC), it was the place where the tabernacle was set up for corporate worship. By describing how Elkanah gave portions of the sacrificial meal to his wife Peninnah and her children, the verse shows the practical, communal act of worship in the context of family life.
When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters. (v.4) Elkanah’s generosity here suggests he was faithful in ensuring his entire household participated in the sacrificial feast, reflecting devotion to the LORD through the sacrificial system. Peninnah, who had multiple children, benefited from Elkanah’s care and provision. In this cultural setting, a family would share in the meat from the peace offerings, which were partly consumed by the worshipers in celebration of God’s blessings (Leviticus 7:15 -).
When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters. (v.4) Historically, Elkanah would become the father of Samuel, a pivotal figure who would serve as both a prophet and judge in Israel’s transition to the period of the monarchy (around 1050 BC). By highlighting the distinctive roles within this household—Peninnah as the wife with children and Hannah as the one longing for a child (1 Samuel 1:2 -)—the verse reveals the unfolding of God’s plan. The generosity displayed in this verse demonstrates familial love and the acknowledgment of each member’s place in worship before the LORD.
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1 Samuel 1:4 meaning
When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters. (v.4) This verse describes an important aspect of worship in ancient Israel, when families gathered to offer sacrifices to the LORD at Shiloh. Shiloh was located in the central highlands of Ephraim, roughly 20 miles north of Jerusalem, and at this time in Israel’s history (late 12th to early 11th century BC), it was the place where the tabernacle was set up for corporate worship. By describing how Elkanah gave portions of the sacrificial meal to his wife Peninnah and her children, the verse shows the practical, communal act of worship in the context of family life.
When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters. (v.4) Elkanah’s generosity here suggests he was faithful in ensuring his entire household participated in the sacrificial feast, reflecting devotion to the LORD through the sacrificial system. Peninnah, who had multiple children, benefited from Elkanah’s care and provision. In this cultural setting, a family would share in the meat from the peace offerings, which were partly consumed by the worshipers in celebration of God’s blessings (Leviticus 7:15 -).
When the day came that Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters. (v.4) Historically, Elkanah would become the father of Samuel, a pivotal figure who would serve as both a prophet and judge in Israel’s transition to the period of the monarchy (around 1050 BC). By highlighting the distinctive roles within this household—Peninnah as the wife with children and Hannah as the one longing for a child (1 Samuel 1:2 -)—the verse reveals the unfolding of God’s plan. The generosity displayed in this verse demonstrates familial love and the acknowledgment of each member’s place in worship before the LORD.