Today I will begin a new series on "The Qualities Of A Good Husband". The scripture text will be found in I Samuel chapter one. The Biblical character will be Elkanah, the husband of Hannah. Elkanah exemplifies for us the model husband. However, Elkanah had one very difficult problem that I will look at before I begin the lesson. He was the husband of two women: Peninnah and Hannah. Wherever you find multiple marriages in the Bible you will find that there is always a problem associated with them. I will in no wise excuse or defend his behavior, but I will point out a possible explanation. I tend to believe that Hannah was his first wife and she could not have children and they simple followed the practice of their day in that the husband took another wife in order to produce offspring. This was done by both Abraham and Jacob. God's will has always been for one man and one woman to be united in holy matrimony until death separates the union. Nevertheless, Elkanah paints for us a picture of a devoted husband to Hannah. In this Marital Moment I will point out three of the nine qualities that I see in Elkanah that makes him a model husband. (1)Elkanah is a loving husband. I Samuel 1:5 states that, "He loved Hannah". No doubt he expressed his love so often to her that God took notice and recorded it in His word. He not only spoke of his love but he reinforced his words by the gifts that he gave. Verse five also points out that, "Unto Hannah he gave a worthy portion". True love is known, not only by it words, but also by its deeds. He bestowed this gift in a public place as if to re-inforce the thought that she was special and very dear to him. He did this in front of all those that were present. He set her on a pedestal for all to see that she was deeply loved and highly respected. Love that is only verbalized is great, but love that is both spoken and backed up with deeds is more appreciated. (2)Elkanah is a talking husband. In verses eight and twenty three the text says, "Then said Elkanah her husband to her". One of the things Hannah and every wife desires is that her husband communicate with her. Talking does wonders for the wife. It says I care deeply about you. It solves many problems in the home because no one is in the dark about anything. It settles many doubts that may arise by simply expressing them before they become huge dilemmas. It says that you are so important and valuable to me that I want to share everything in my life with you. One of the greatest gifts a husband can give his wife is the gift of communication. (3)He is an understanding husband. Hannah had prayed unto God (verse eleven) and promised Him that if He would give her a son that she would give the child back unto God all the days of his life. God answered her pray and in verse 23 you find her doing exactly as she promised. But that was Elkanah's son as well. What does he think about it? You will find that he is very sympathetic and understanding with Hannah's desires. Elkanah could have disapproved of her promise unto the Lord. As her husband he had the right to say no to her vow and God would have released her from her obligation to pay (Numbers 30:6-8). However, he is understanding and patient with her and graciously allows her to fulfill her vow unto the Lord. Elkanah understood that she was wise enough to make choices and decisions of her own. He gave her the freedom to do so. He instinctively realized that women are different and that they often see things in a much different light than men. In fact women seem to have a better grasp of intuition than men. Therefore, Elkanah gave her his full understanding and his complete permission to do the will of God for her life. Remember, a good husband possess the qualities of love, communication, and understanding.
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