elkanah Summary and Overview

God-created. (1.) The second son of Korah (Ex. 6:24), or, according to 1 Chr. 6:22, 23, more correctly his grandson. (2.) Another Levite of the line of Heman the singer, although he does not seem to have performed any of the usual Levitical offices. He was father of Samuel the prophet (1 Chr. 6:27, 34). He was "an Ephrathite" (1 Sam. 1:1, 4, 8), but lived at Ramah, a man of wealth and high position. He had two wives, Hannah, who was the mother of Samuel, and Peninnah.

EL'KANAH (God creates), the name of several descendants of Korah mentioned in the O.T., for we are expressly told that "the children of Korah died not" in the rebellion of Korah. Num 26:11. 1. The only one of the name of any interest is the husband of Hannah and father of Samuel. 1 Sam 1:1 ff.; 1 Sam 2:11, 1 Sam 2:20; 1 Chr 6:27, 1 Chr 6:34. The few words that are spoken of him set him in a very favorable light. He was a kind and faithful husband, a pious Hebrew and a self-sacrificing father. Although he was a Levite, he did not apparently perform any of the usual offices. Judging from the sacrifices he offered annually, 1 Sam 1:4, and from the present he brought to the Lord when Samuel was dedicated, he was a man of wealth. 1. The son of Korah. Ex 6:24; 1 Chr 6:23. 2. A Korhite. 1 Chr 6:26, 1 Chr 6:35. 3. A Levite. 1 Chr 9:16. 4. A Korhite. 1 Chr 12:6. 5. An officer of the household of Ahaz, probably the second in command. 2 Chr 28:7. He was killed by Zichri the Ephraimite.

1. Son of Korah, son of Izhar, son of Kohath, son of Levi (Exodus 6:24); compare 1 Chronicles 6:22-23, where an Elkanah is mentioned, grandson of Korah. "The children of Korah died not" when he was consumed (Numbers 26:11). 2. A descendant of the previous Elkanah, in the line of Ahimoth or Mahath (1 Chronicles 6:26; 1 Chronicles 6:35). 3. Another Kohathite in Heman's line, father of Samuel by Hannah (1 Chronicles 6:27; 1 Chronicles 6:34; 1 Chronicles 6:1 Samuel 1-2). Lived at Ramathaim Zophim, or Ramah, in mount Ephraim. Piously repaired yearly to Shiloh to sacrifice at the tabernacle. His costly offering of three bullocks at Samuel's dedication, and the "portions" of offerings which he gave to his family, indicate wealth. David first established the Levitical and priestly courses in the temple; hence Elkanah does not appear to have performed any sacred function as a Levite. 4. A Levite (1 Chronicles 9:16). 5. A Korhite who joined David at Ziklag (1 Chronicles 12:6, compare 1 Chronicles 15:23). 6. King Ahaz' officer next to himself, slain by Zichri, a mighty Ephraimite, at Pekah's invasion (2 Chronicles 28:7).