Valentines Day 15 ~ Extra Portions

February 15, 2014 · Day 15: Extra Portions *I wrote this devotion with husbands in mind, but every part can be applied to wives, as well* When I think of some of the wonderful husbands of the Bible, the one who comes to mind first, is usually Elkanah. There are many other good husbands in the Bible, like Boaz (see Day 2), Hosea (to be featured on Day 28), Noah (see Day 12), both Josephs, and a few others, but Elkanah has always stood out to me. I don't know his size but his name makes me think of a gentle giant. He was also a man who seemed to have impeccable integrity; always fulfilling his vows, and bringing the yearly sacrifice. What hits me the most though, every time I read First Samuel chapters 1 and 2, is his obvious love and care for Hannah. He is always gentle with her, especially in his speech. It's very endearing and sweet! I love that God gave us this story of Hannah and included Elkanah so often, in it. It gives us an intimate view into their life and marriage that is absent in some of the other stories in the Bible, of married couples. The intimate life of Noah and his wife, for example, is very silent. The dialog that is recorded in Hannah and Elkanah's story is very brief (it's really only in verses 1:8 and 1:22-23), but it's very revealing. The other information given about Hannah and Elkanah, give much evidence of their sweet and loving relationship. As we read their story, we see several statements made about Elkanah, or statements of things he said. #1: He was generous to Peninnah, but he was exceedingly generous and gave double portions to Hannah #2: He loved Hannah, even though God had closed her womb (a disgrace in those times). #3: Verse 1:8 shows his obvious care and earnest concern for Hannah, as he asks her questions about her physical and emotional health. #4: He cares about Hannah's precise wishes (verse 1:23), and wants her to be happy #5: Elkanah and Hannah made decisions together and did things together, as stated in 1:19, 23, 25, and 2:19. Only to a woman whom a man truly loves will he give more than is required of him. This man goes the extra mile for the woman he truly loves. He gives double portions of his time, money, dedication, help, etc. Elkanah did this for Hannah. A man who truly loves a woman sees beyond her faults, her blemishes, her physical limitations, or her "weak" areas. He loves her as she is. Elkanah loved Hannah even though she was barren and could not give him a son. A man who truly loves a woman and wants to show her that he does, asks the hard questions with honest concern, and deals with her answers patiently and with grace. Elkanah didn't berate Hannah for her depression and her physical and mental limitations. He was simply there for her and didn't try to fix it. In his statement, "Aren't I better to you, than ten sons?", it reveals that he wasn't trying to "fix" her. He was simply offering his presence to her. Sometimes that's all that's needed for a depressed person who lives in insecurity....true presence. Not many men in biblical times cared much for "their wives wishes" but Elkanah did. He wanted to please Hannah and make her happy. A man who truly loves a woman, wants to do all in his power to meet her needs and help her to be happy. True happiness is only from The Lord, but the caring love of a man who wants to meet a woman's needs goes a long way for her earthly happiness and security. Decisions in every detail of life, should be made together. No secret purchases, no secret life, no secret activities. Complete honesty and accountability is a cornerstone in the marriage relationship, and without it, the marriage is a prison, a scary place, a place where fear lives. It's not a relationship anymore; it's a tyranny. Elkanah made decisions with his wife and it is evident that Hannah went with him on a lot of his journeys. They did things together; not on their own. Husbands and wives, give extra portions of your gentleness, care, concern, provision, acceptance, honesty and integrity to each other, as Elkanah and Hannah did. Blessings!