c. 1090 BC The first three verses of 1 Samuel acquaint us with Elkanah, his family, and the setting for Hannah’s request for a son. Like Saul and David, the two other major figures in the book of Samuel and leaders of Israel, Samuel is introduced to us through his father (1 Sam 9:1–3; 16:1–12). Elkanah is first introduced according to his hometown (Ramathaim in Ephraim) and patrimony (Zuphite), instead of being introduced by name. This emphasizes his identity
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