In a sense, Hannah and Elkanah are one of the lesser known couples in this quarter’s lessons. They were known, not so much for their own accomplishments, but rather, because of the ministry of their son, Samuel.

The story begins with a godly man who . . . has two wives. The trend of polygamy (or bigamy) in the Old Testament continues. In this instance (as in many of the others), we can see the potential dangers of such a marriage arrangement.