Beginning of the End - Ellen G. White

Chapter 55
God Calls the Child Samuel
This chapter is based on 1 Samuel 1; 2:1-11.
Elkanah, a Levite from Mount Ephraim, was a wealthy and
influential man who loved and respected the Lord. His wife,
Hannah, was a woman of heartfelt devotion and strong faith.
Their home was childless, so the husband took a second wife.
But this step, prompted by lack of faith in God, did not bring
happiness. Sons and daughters were added to the home, but the joy
and beauty of the sacred marriage institution had been spoiled and
the peace of the family broken.
Peninnah, the new wife, was jealous and narrow-minded and
acted proud and disrespectful. To Hannah, hope seemed crushed and
life was a weary burden; yet she faced her pain with uncomplaining
meekness.
Elkanah's services as a Levite were not required at Shiloh, but
he went up with his family to worship and sacrifice at the regular
gatherings. Even during the sacred festivities connected with the
service of God, the evil spirit that had cursed his home intruded.
After presenting the thank offerings, all the family, according to the
custom, united in a solemn yet joyous feast. Elkanah gave the
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