1 Samuel 1:1

From Ramathaim’s hills so high,

A man named Elkanah lived nearby,

Of Ephraim's line, both proud and true,

With faith that every storm could rue.

Through trials deep and days gone bare,

His heart still bowed in earnest prayer.

For from this land and quiet grace,

Would rise a child to run God’s race.

A mother's tears, a vow once sown,

Would bloom a prophet all her own.

And so begins, with quiet might,

The tale that bursts into God's light.

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Berean Standard Bible

Now there was a man named Elkanah who was from Ramathaim-zophim in the hill country of Ephraim. He was the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.

King James Bible

Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite:

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This opening verse of 1 Samuel introduces the narrative that will lead to one of the most significant transitions in Israel’s history: from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. While it may seem like a simple genealogical and geographical introduction, this verse is rich with significance. It sets the tone for the book by anchoring the story in a specific family line, place, and moment in time, all of which play key roles in what unfolds. The introduction of Elkanah, Samuel’s father, begins the unfolding of God’s redemptive activity through personal and familial faithfulness in the midst of national instability.

The verse begins, “There was a certain man...” This simple phrase is reminiscent of other biblical narratives that begin with a seemingly ordinary person or situation, only to reveal that God is about to do something extraordinary. The wording signals that while the story starts in obscurity, its implications will be profound. Throughout Scripture, God often works through "certain" men and women who, though not initially prominent, become instruments of divine purpose.

The man is said to be “of Ramathaim-zophim of the hill country of Ephraim.” This is a compound place name, likely referring to Ramah (later confirmed in verse 19), with “Zophim” possibly referencing a district or family designation, perhaps derived from Zuph, an ancestor mentioned at the end of the verse. Ramah, located in the tribal territory of Ephraim, plays a key geographical and theological role in Samuel’s life and ministry. The “hill country of Ephraim” situates the story in a region associated with significant earlier events in Israel’s history, such as the leadership of Joshua and the temporary location of the tabernacle at Shiloh nearby. The setting is important: it was a time when the central sanctuary was not in Jerusalem (which had not yet been fully established under Israelite control), and the nation was fragmented. The specific reference to this hill country reflects both the tribal landscape and the decentralized nature of Israel in the pre-monarchic period.

The man’s name is given as “Elkanah,” which means “God has created” or “God has purchased.” The meaning of the name carries theological undertones that align well with the themes of divine initiative and providence that permeate the story. Elkanah, while not a prophet or judge, will become a key figure in God’s redemptive plan through his role as the father of Samuel, the last judge and first major prophet of Israel’s monarchy.

The genealogy that follows—“the son of Jeroham, son of Elihu, son of Tohu, son of Zuph”—traces Elkanah’s lineage back several generations. The inclusion of four generations emphasizes the rootedness of Elkanah in Israel’s tribal and familial structure. It shows that he is not a random character but comes from an established heritage. The name Zuph is particularly important because in 1 Samuel 9:5, the region is referred to as the “land of Zuph,” connecting Elkanah's ancestry with a known location. The genealogy may also be intended to highlight the legitimacy of Samuel’s priestly and prophetic role, despite not being of Levitical descent. While Elkanah is called an Ephrathite, which typically denotes someone from the region of Ephraim, later Jewish tradition (see 1 Chronicles 6:22–28) identifies Elkanah as a Levite who dwelled in Ephraim—pointing to the practice of Levites living among other tribes. This dual identity—dwelling in Ephraim yet descended from Levi—may help reconcile Samuel’s role as both prophet and priest in the unfolding narrative.

The verse ends with the phrase “an Ephrathite.” This term can be geographical, referring to someone from the region of Ephrath (often associated with Bethlehem), or tribal, denoting someone from the territory of Ephraim. In this context, it is most likely a reference to Elkanah’s residence in the Ephraimite region, not his tribal lineage. However, the term may also carry deeper narrative resonance, as the word “Ephrathite” is associated with significant figures like David (Ruth 1:2; 1 Samuel 17:12), suggesting that the writer is subtly signaling connections to future developments in Israel’s redemptive history.

In sum, 1 Samuel 1:1 sets the scene for a story that will reshape the course of Israel’s history. From the quiet hill country of Ephraim and the life of a seemingly ordinary man, God will raise up Samuel—prophet, judge, and kingmaker. The verse roots the narrative in a real place, with real people and a real lineage, reminding the reader that God’s redemptive purposes unfold through history, through families, and through people who are faithful in their time and place. The personal beginnings of the book contrast sharply with the national crises to come, but it is precisely in such contrast that the faithfulness of God and the transformative power of obedient individuals will be most clearly displayed.

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Grace be unto you, beloved brethren and sisters in Christ, and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. I write to you in the fellowship of the Spirit, that you may be strengthened in your hearts, steadfast in your hope, and abounding in the love which comes from God alone.

Consider now the word of the Lord as recorded in the book of 1 Samuel: “There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.” In this beginning of the sacred record, the Spirit of God draws our attention to a man and to a family through whom He would accomplish His purposes.

O beloved, how often does the work of the Lord begin in quiet places, among ordinary people, in times of seeming spiritual decline. In the days of the judges, when there was no king in Israel and everyone did what was right in his own eyes, the Lord was preparing a prophet, a servant, and a faithful witness. Through the house of Elkanah, though it was not a house of great fame, the Lord would raise up Samuel, who would stand as a faithful servant before Him and speak His word to a wayward nation.

Take heart from this, dearly beloved, for the purposes of our God are not hindered by the darkness of the age nor by the lowliness of our estate. The God who chose Elkanah and his household chooses still the humble and the faithful to accomplish His will. His eyes range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to Him.

Therefore, let none among you say, “My life is too small, my family too unknown, my work too insignificant.” The Lord delights to use what the world deems weak to shame the strong; He calls the lowly and the overlooked to display His glory. As Elkanah, a certain man from Ramathaim, was named in the divine record, so too your life is known and precious in the sight of God.

Furthermore, beloved, consider the faithfulness of Elkanah in his devotion. Though the times were evil, he went up year by year to worship the Lord of hosts at Shiloh. He did not forsake the assembly of God’s people nor neglect the worship that was due to the Most High. In this, let us find instruction for our own day. However dark the times, however great the failures of religious leaders—as they were even in those days—let us not grow weary in seeking the Lord, nor forsake the gathering of the faithful.

Let us also be mindful of the unseen battles within the home. In the house of Elkanah there was great sorrow, for Hannah his wife was barren and her soul was troubled. Yet in her anguish she poured out her heart before the Lord, and He who hears the cries of His people answered her prayer. O beloved, let us learn to bring every burden before the throne of grace. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

From the house of sorrow sprang forth a servant of joy. From the cry of a barren woman arose a prophet who would anoint kings. Thus the Lord turns mourning into dancing and clothes His people with joy. Wait upon the Lord, beloved, for His timing is perfect and His mercies never fail.

Finally, let us remember that every faithful act, though small in the eyes of men, is written in the record of God. Elkanah’s name stands in Scripture as a testimony to the generations. His faithfulness, his worship, and his family’s story became the vessel for God’s unfolding plan. So let your life also be lived in faith and obedience, trusting that the Lord sees and rewards every labor of love.

Now may the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, strengthen, establish, and settle you. May you walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and steadfastness, abounding in hope and in every good work. And may the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

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O Lord God of heaven and earth, eternal and almighty, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of Israel, the Holy One who was, and is, and is to come, we bow before You this day in reverence and in trust. You are the Sovereign Lord whose purposes unfold across the ages, whose eye is upon all the earth, whose mercy is from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear You.

We remember the words recorded in the book of Your servant Samuel: “There was a certain man from Ramathaim, a Zuphite from the hill country of Ephraim, whose name was Elkanah son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite.” O Lord, from this simple mention of a man and a family, we behold the mystery of Your providence and the steadfast unfolding of Your will.

For in a time when there was no king in Israel, when the hearts of the people were wayward and the word of the Lord was rare, You were not idle. You were preparing a servant; You were weaving a story of redemption and hope through the life of an ordinary household. From the hills of Ephraim You called forth a man and his family through whom Your prophet would be born, through whom Your voice would once again be heard in the land.

Therefore, O gracious Father, teach us to trust in Your providence even in times of darkness. When the days seem barren and the word of life seems faint, remind us that You are never absent, never silent. You are the God who works in hidden places, who brings forth great things from humble beginnings, who remembers the faithful and exalts the lowly.

We pray, O Lord, for the families of Your people. In homes small and great, in cities and in villages, may Your presence abide. Let every household that calls upon Your name be a dwelling place of peace, of love, of prayer. Raise up among us men and women of faith, devoted to Your worship, steadfast in hope, and abounding in good works.

O Lord, as Elkanah worshiped You faithfully year by year, grant us also the grace to persevere in worship and devotion. Let us not grow weary in seeking Your face. May our hearts delight in Your presence; may our lips be filled with praise. In times of abundance and in times of need, may we be found among those who honor You in spirit and in truth.

We pray also, O merciful God, for those who carry hidden sorrows, as Hannah carried hers within the household of Elkanah. For all who grieve in silence, for all who long and wait upon You, grant comfort and hope. Hear their cries as You heard the cry of Hannah. Let them know that You are near to the brokenhearted and that none who trust in You will be put to shame.

Grant wisdom and faith to the leaders of Your people, that they may shepherd Your flock with righteousness and compassion. As You raised up Samuel from the house of Elkanah to be a faithful prophet and servant, so raise up among us those who will proclaim Your word with boldness and humility, who will lead with integrity, and who will serve with joy.

And teach us, O Lord, that no life is too small, no place too obscure, for Your purposes. The world esteems the mighty and the famous, but You look upon the humble and the faithful. May we walk humbly with You, seeking not the praise of men but the approval of our God. May our lives be vessels for Your glory, our days marked by obedience and love.

Now, O God of all grace, bless Your Church in every place. Strengthen the weary, encourage the fainthearted, restore the broken, and gather the wandering. Let Your kingdom come, and let Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.