Ruth 2-1 Samuel 1
A Concerned Husband

In 1 Samuel 1, we meet a man and his wife who have a special place in the history of Israel-Elkanah and Hannah. Hannah was barren and asked God for a son. If given, she pledged to give him to the LORD all the days of his life. She has for generations served as an outstanding role-model for young mothers. However, her husband Elkanah was a noteworthy example of a husband as well. I know he was a polygamist, and in that trait does not serve as an example for us. That was the custom allowed by the Law at that time, so he did no wrong there (although it may not have been wise). In what ways is he to be emulated as a husband?

First, from the fact he went to Shiloh once a year to worship and sacrifice, we see he was a man concerned with God and his duty toward God. Also, His concern for the LORD is also seen when he respected the vow his wife made. Under the Old Law, the husband could override the vow of his wife (Numbers 30:14). But, Elkanah apparently was so religiously minded he allowed her to keep her vow to God, even if that meant he, too, would loose a son. Husbands, we are to be the spiritual leaders of our homes. It is our duty to make certain our family is one lovingly devoted to God, faithful in our duties, and training our children about God (Ephesians 6:1-4).

Then, being devoted to God, we also see a man who was devoted to his wife. Men, pay attention to the remarkable concern he had for Hannah when he noticed her weeping in verse 8, "Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?" Now, I know we could spend some time talking about a lack of sensitivity in his comment, but I like to focus on the more positive aspect of his statement: he noticed her. He slowed down enough in his relationship with her that he saw her sorrow, and he wanted to help her. Apparently he though part of his duty of God was to make his wife happy, and if she clearly wasn't happy, was there something he could do about it? With this simple statement, Elkanah becomes a role-model for me in my relationship with my wife. I pray to be the type of husband who not only sees my wife, but notices her when something is wrong and is move to do something-anything-to help.

Elkanah seemed to have lived the words of Paul in Ephesians 5:28-29, "In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church..." His actions also reflect the words of Peter in 1 Peter 3:7, "Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered."

Men can be selfish sometimes. They can so guard their personal time that they forget about their service to God, and their duty to lead the family in worship. Don't let that happen, guys. Let your children see your religious side in action. We can also be so caught up in own world we overlook our wife's emotions and needs. Let's not let that happen, either.