1 This is the story of Elkanah, a man of the tribe of Ephraim... who lived in Ramathaim-
zophim, in the hills of Ephraim.
2
He had two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Peninnah had some children, but Hannah didnt.
3
Each year Elkanah and his families journeyed to the Tabernacle at Shiloh to worship the
Lord of the heavens and to sacrifice to him. (The priests on duty at that time were the two
sons of EliHophni and Phinehas.)
4
On the day he presented his sacrifice, Elkanah would celebrate the happy occasion by giving
presents to Peninnah and her children;
5
but although he loved Hannah very much, he could give her only one present, for the Lord
had sealed her womb; so she had no children to give presents to.
6
Peninnah made matters worse by taunting Hannah because of her barrenness.
7
Every year it was the samePeninnah scoffing and laughing at her as they went to Shiloh,
making her cry so much she couldnt eat.
8
Whats the matter, Hannah? Elkanah would exclaim. Why arent you eating? Why make
such a fuss over having no children? Isnt having me better than having ten sons?
9
One evening after supper, when they were at Shiloh, Hannah went over to the Tabernacle. Eli
the priest was sitting at his customary place beside the entrance.
10
She was in deep anguish and was crying bitterly as she prayed to the Lord.
11
And she made this vow: O Lord of heaven, if you will look down upon my sorrow and
answer my prayer and give me a son, then I will give him back to you, and hell be yours for
his entire lifetime, and his hair shall never be cut.[a]
12-13
Eli noticed her mouth moving as she was praying silently and, hearing no sound, thought
she had been drinking.
14
Must you come here drunk? he demanded. Throw away your bottle.
15-16
Oh no, sir! she replied, Im not drunk! But I am very sad and I was pouring out my
heart to the Lord. Please dont think that I am just some drunken bum!
17
In that case, Eli said, cheer up! May the Lord of Israel grant you your petition, whatever
it is!
18
Oh, thank you, sir! she exclaimed, and went happily back, and began to take her meals
again.
19-20
The entire family was up early the next morning and went to the Tabernacle to worship the
Lord once more. Then they returned home to Ramah, and when Elkanah slept with Hannah,
the Lord remembered her petition; in the process of time, a baby boy was born to her. She
named him Samuel (meaning asked of God)[b] because, as she said, I asked the Lord for
him.