April 29 Peninnah: Peninnah – Overcoming Jealousy and Embracing Grace

Theme: Conquering Envy and Rejoicing in Others’ Blessings
Author: Asha Singh - Georgetown SDA Church

Key Verse: "And when the time was that Elkanah offered, he gave to Peninnah his wife, and to all her sons and daughters, portions, but unto Hannah, he gave a worthy portion; for he loved Hannah: but the Lord had shut up her womb." – 1 Samuel 1:3-4

Who Was Peninnah?

Peninnah was one of Elkanah’s two wives, who lived in the hill country of Ephraim. Unlike Hannah, Elkanah’s other wife, Peninnah, had children, a distinction that became a source of rivalry and emotional pain. Peninnah’s jealousy fueled the tension between them, as Elkanah’s deep love for Hannah was evident despite her barrenness.

Peninnah often tormented Hannah, provoking her to tears. Scripture describes how Peninnah “taunted her viciously” (1 Samuel 1:6, BSB) year after year, particularly during their annual pilgrimage to Shiloh. Her actions likely stemmed from her own insecurities and desire for Elkanah’s affection, as he showed clear favoritism toward Hannah, giving her a double portion of the sacrificial offering (1 Samuel 1:5).

Though Peninnah’s role in the biblical narrative is brief, her presence plays a pivotal role in Hannah’s faith journey. The pain she inflicted ultimately drove Hannah to seek God earnestly, resulting in the birth of Samuel, one of Israel’s greatest prophets. This story highlights the destructive power of jealousy and the need to seek God’s affirmation rather than human validation.

Lessons from Peninnah’s Story

It is easy to pity Peninnah—she was, after all, Elkanah’s second choice, and she knew it. Her bitterness stemmed from not being loved as deeply as Hannah. While Elkanah’s open favoritism contributed to the household’s strife, Peninnah also bore responsibility for her actions. Instead of finding security in God, she sought it in her husband’s love, leading to her resentment and cruelty toward Hannah.

Before judging Peninnah too harshly, we should reflect on our own hearts. Have we ever envied someone else’s blessings? Have we formed opinions about others based on incomplete information? Growing in faith teaches us to extend grace rather than judgment. Only God fully understands each person’s struggles.

May we ask God to replace jealousy with contentment, bitterness with compassion, and rivalry with love? May we embrace the cleansing grace of Jesus, allowing His presence to transform our hearts and lead us to celebrate, rather than envy, the blessings of others.

Prayer:

Gracious Father,
Thank You for Your abundant love. Help us to release envy and rejoice in the blessings of others. Fill our hearts with gratitude, compassion, and trust in Your perfect plan. Cleanse us from bitterness and teach us to walk in love and humility.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.