Peninnah

Peninnah was one of the two wives of Elkanah, an Ephraimite man, and the rival of Hannah, according to 1 Samuel 1:2. Peninnah had children, while Hannah was initially barren. Elkanah would give portions of the sacrificial meat to Peninnah and her children, but he would give a double portion to Hannah because he loved her (1 Samuel 1:4–5). Peninnah would provoke and irritate Hannah because of her barrenness, causing Hannah great distress (1 Samuel 1:6–7). This rivalry between the two wives highlights the challenges of polygamy and the importance of children in ancient Israelite society. Peninnah's actions also serve as a contrast to Hannah's faith and prayerful response to her situation.