n this episode, only a single family is in focus: Elkanah and his two wives: Hannah and Peninnah.  Hannah was childless; Peninnah had sons and daughters.  Peninnah made Hannah’s life miserable because of this circumstance.  When the family was in Shiloh worshipping, Hannah prayed that her situation be reversed.  Eventually, that prayer was answered and subsequently she gave birth to a son: Samuel.  So far, only one family appears to be involved.  But that is about to change, and change dramatically.