Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 1

Ramathaim-zophim may signify "the two hills of the watchmen" (1 Samuel 9:11–13), so called because it was a post from which watchmen looked out. But since Zuph is the name of the head of the family, it is more probable that Zophim means the Zuphites, the sons of Zuph (see Zophai, 1 Chronicles 6:26), from whom the land around Ramah was called "the land of Zuph" (1 Samuel 9:5).

There is reason to believe that Elkanah—an Ephrathite, or inhabitant of Bethlehem (1 Samuel 17:12; Ruth 1:2), and of the territory of the tribe of Ephraim (1 Kings 11:26), the father of Samuel—represents the fifth generation of settlers in Canaan. Therefore, Samuel was born about 130 years after the entrance into Canaan (four complete generations, or 132 years) and about 40 years before David.

He had two wives - Compare Genesis 4:19. This was permitted by the law in Deuteronomy 21:15 and sanctioned by the practice of Jacob (Genesis 29), Ashur (1 Chronicles 4:5), Shaharaim (1 Chronicles 8:8), David (1 Samuel 25:43), Joash (2 Chronicles 24:3), and others.

Hannah - that is, “Beauty or charm,” is the same name as “Anna” in Luke 2:36.

Peninnah - that is, “a Pearl,” is the same name in meaning as “Margaret.”

The frequent recurrence of barrenness in women who were later famous for their children (such as Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel), coupled with the prophetic language of Hannah’s song in 1 Samuel 2, justifies seeking a mystical sense. Besides the apparent purpose of marking the children so born as raised up for special purposes by divine Providence, it is probable that the weakness and comparative barrenness of the Church of God—to be followed at the appointed time by her glorious triumph and immense increase—is also intended to be foreshadowed.

During the unsettled times of the Judges (Judges 21:25), it is likely that the Israelites' attendance at the three required festivals fell into disuse or became very irregular (Exodus 34:23; Deuteronomy 16:16). This one particular feast, which may have coincided with the Feast of Pentecost or Tabernacles, might have been substituted for them.

The Lord of Hosts - This title for Yahweh, which is found with some variations more than 260 times in the Old Testament, occurs here for the first time. The meaning of the word “hosts” is undoubtedly the same as that of “army” (Daniel 4:35) and includes all the myriads of holy angels who inhabit the heavens (1 Kings 22:19). It is probable that the title “Lord of Hosts” was given to the true God with reference to the idolatrous worship of the “host of heaven,” thereby asserting His universal supremacy . In the New Testament, the phrase occurs only once (James 5:4).

And the two sons... - The text should be read as, “and there the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests to the Lord.” This means they were performing the functions of priests during the old age of Eli (1 Samuel 4:18), who is described in 1 Samuel 1:9 as sitting on a seat in the temple. The reading of the Greek Version—“Eli was there, and his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, priests of the Lord”—is unnecessary and, in fact, destroys the meaning. The information given here concerning Eli’s sons is followed up in 1 Samuel 2:12 and following.

A worthy portion - This likely refers to the marginal note. Naturally, she would have received a single portion of the sacrifice (Compare 1 Samuel 9:23), but because of his love for her, he gave her a double portion, enough for two people .

And as he did so ... - It should rather be, “And so she did year by year, as often as she went up to the House of the Lord, so she provoked her.” Though the verb is masculine, Peninnah must be the subject, because the phrase “as often as she went up” follows. The Vulgate has “they went up.”