Tuesday, September 02, 2003 (66)THE MAN ORIGINATED FROM MOUNT EPHRAIM. 1 Sam. 1:1 Once again the thought of the double portion is brought into view, for Ephriam, means, fruitfulness or double fruit. Ephraim, the second son of Joseph, born in Egypt. So named because of the blessings of the Lord to Joseph in a foreign country. Fruitful, in affliction. There is a great lesson to be learned here. Troubles, even great troubles are often the door of the Lord to greater blessings and opportunities. Gen. 41:52There is a time, established by the Lord, when the people of the double portion, acting as watchmen will cry out for the redeemed to gather to the New Zion, the Spiritual City whose builder and maker is the Lord. Jer. 31:6
THE MAN, ELKANAH. His name means, possessed or obtained by God. He was the son of Jeroham, meaning, merciful or beloved. Who was the son of Elihu, meaning, He is my God. Tohu or Nahath, meaning, rest or quiet. The son of Zuph, meaning, honeycomb. Each and every one of these names bear spiritual implications and have a message indicating the spiritual background of Elkanah. We know that he was a Levite of the descendants of Kohath, the most revered spiritual leaders. 1 Chr. 6:33-35 He was certainly a deeply spiritual man for he went yearly to Shiloh to bring offerings and worship the Lord. 1 Sam. 1:3 He would have been a man of means, for he generously gave offerings to his wife Peninniah and her several children, both sons and daughters. To his wife Hannah, he gave a worthy, or a double portion. This also indicates that he was a caring family man. 1 Sam.1:4-5
HANNAH. Meaning, gracious or favor. The church of the Lord Jesus in all generations came forth from His abounding mercy, grace and favor. Inasmuch as she is the first mentioned it can be assumed that she was his first wife. Very likely the wife of his youth and his first love. But, because she was barren he took another wife and by her had several children. Hannah was the wife of his love, so he gave that double portion to her as a sign and token of his great affection for her. 1 Sam. 1:5 It to be noted that her barrenness was a deliberate act of Jehovah. There was no physical reason for her not being able to bear a child. The LORD can be very deliberate in directing us into situations in our lives which seem to be extreme, but in the end He reveals His purpose. The circumstances in the home were anything but pleasant, for her adversary provoked her sore. What tremendously descriptive words. Adversary, an enemy creating trouble, distress and adversity. Provoked, ridiculed, poked fun at her and taunted her. Sore or sorely, extremely and in a hurtful manner. This scoffing continued from year to year, it was incessant and unending. So grievous was this constant taunting that Hannah was extremely disturbed and could not eat and cried constantly. Tremendous blessings are born of persecutions and deep, deep trials. There is a cross for each and every one of us to bear. There is also an ultimate glorious deliverance. Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. Ps. 30:5.