A short Insight into SHMUEL 1 , Chapter 1 By Rabbi Nisson Dov Miller

As we begin Sefer Shmuel, we learn an important lesson about mitzvos bein adam l'chaveiro, interpersonal mitzvos. After we learn that Elkanah had two wives, Penina who had children and Chana who did not have any children, we find that Elkanah had a special love for Chana. However, at first glance it seems that Penina did not treat Chana with the utmost of respect. Verse six, as understood by Metzudas Dovid, reveals, “Her rival (Penina) provoked her (Chana) again and again 'ba'avur ha'r'ima' - 'in order to irritate her', for Hashem had closed her womb.”