The Family | A Godly Woman's Desire

The Transitional Period of Israel's History
First Samuel chapter 1 unfolds during a pivotal moment in Israel's spiritual history. The narrative opens at the close of the period of the judges, approximately 1120 BC, as the nation stood on the threshold of the monarchical era. This was a time when "the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision" (1 Samuel 3:1), indicating a period of spiritual decline and limited divine revelation.

The book of 1 Samuel, attributed to the prophet Samuel himself for the early chapters, serves as an inspired historical record of God's dealings through ordinary individuals who trusted in His providence.

The Setting: Shiloh as Israel's Worship Center
The events of chapter 1 center around Shiloh, located approximately twenty miles north of Jerusalem in the hill country of Ephraim. This sacred site served as Israel's primary center of worship during the period of the judges, where the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant resided. Here the Israelites gathered for LORD of hosts.

At Shiloh, Eli served as high priest, though his corrupt sons Hophni and Phinehas had brought disgrace upon the priesthood through their wickedness. This spiritual decline at the very center of Israel's worship reflects the broader apostasy that characterized the period of the judges.

The Principal Characters
The narrative introduces us to Elkanah, a godly Levite from Ramathaimzophim (also called Ramah) in the hill country of Ephraim. Though described as an "Ephrathite," possibly indicating his residence rather than tribal origin, Elkanah faithfully maintained his religious obligations by traveling annually to Shiloh for worship and sacrifice