The blessing so earnestly sought by every Hebrew was denied this godly pair; their home was not gladdened by the voice of childhood; and the desire to perpetuate his name led the husband-- as it had led many others--to contract a second marriage. But this step, prompted by a lack of faith in God, did not bring happiness. Sons and daughters were added to the household; but the joy and beauty of God's sacred institution had been marred and the peace of the family was broken. Peninnah, the new wife, was jealous and narrow-minded, and she bore herself with pride and insolence. To Hannah, hope seemed crushed and life a weary burden; yet she met the trial with uncomplaining meekness.

Den velsignelse, som hver eneste hebræer længtes så inderligt efter, var nægtet dette gudfrygtige ægtepar. Der lød ingen glade barnestemmer i deres hjem, og for at føre sit navn videre tog manden sig en hustru til, som så mange andre havde gjort før ham. Han tog dette skridt, fordi han ikke havde tillid til Gud, men det bragte ham ikke lykke. Han fik ganske vist sønner og døtre, men det gik ud over glæden og skønheden i det hellige ægteskab, som Gud har indstiftet, og harmonien i hjemmet blev ødelagt. Den nye hustru, som hed Peninna, var skinsyg og smålig og optrådte både stolt og uforskammet. Hanna syntes, at alt håb var slukt, og at livet var en tung byrde. Til trods herfor bar hun sin lod tålmodigt og uden at klage.