On these opening pages of 1 Samuel we are introduced to a family drama. Here is the story of Elkanah and his two wives, Hannah and Peninnah. Immediately, we encounter the tension in this family which is a result of Hannah's barrenness. Hannah's husband loves her and treats her with kindness. When they traveled to Shiloh on the day of sacrifice, Elkanah would give portions to his wife Peninnah and to her sons and daughters, but he would give a double portion to Hannah, and the text tells us he did this because he loved her even though she was barren. The conflict in the story is the result of Peninnah's verbal abuse of Hannah. Peninnah would constantly chide and "provoke her severely" because of her barrenness. Every time they would go up together to the house of the Lord, Peninnah would cr…