Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Samuel 1:2

"and he had two wives; the name of the one was Hannah, and the name of other Peninnah: and Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children." — 1 Samuel 1:2 (ASV)

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.