◄ 1 Samuel 2:6 ►
The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
Study Bible
The LORD
The term "LORD" in this context is translated from the Hebrew "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, emphasizing His eternal, self-existent nature. This name is deeply significant in the Hebrew tradition, representing God's unchanging faithfulness and His sovereign authority over all creation. In the context of 1 Samuel, it underscores God's supreme power and His intimate involvement in the affairs of humanity, particularly in the life of Israel.

brings death
The Hebrew word for "brings death" is "mûm," which signifies God's ultimate authority over life and death. This phrase highlights the belief that life and death are not random occurrences but are under the direct control of God. In the ancient Near Eastern context, this was a profound statement against the backdrop of polytheistic beliefs, asserting that Yahweh alone holds the power over life and death, a theme echoed throughout the Scriptures.

and gives life
The phrase "gives life" is derived from the Hebrew "ḥāyâ," meaning to live or to revive. This reflects the biblical theme of God as the giver and sustainer of life. It is a reminder of the hope and renewal that God offers, even in the face of death. This duality of death and life in God's hands is a central tenet of the faith, emphasizing His role as both judge and redeemer.

He brings down to Sheol
"Sheol" in Hebrew refers to the realm of the dead, a shadowy place where the departed reside. The phrase "brings down to Sheol" indicates God's control over the afterlife, reinforcing the belief that no aspect of existence is beyond His reach. In the historical context, this was a powerful assertion of God's dominion over both the living and the dead, contrasting with other ancient beliefs that often depicted the afterlife as governed by separate deities.

and raises up
The phrase "raises up" is from the Hebrew "qûm," meaning to rise or to stand. This is a powerful declaration of God's ability to restore and resurrect. It foreshadows the Christian belief in the resurrection, where God’s power to raise the dead is fully realized in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This promise of being "raised up" offers hope and assurance of God's ultimate victory over death, a cornerstone of Christian faith.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Hannah
The mother of Samuel, who offers this prayer of praise and thanksgiving to God after dedicating her son to the Lord's service. Her prayer is a profound expression of faith and recognition of God's sovereignty.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, highlighting His ultimate authority over life and death, and His power to control the destinies of individuals.

3. Sheol
In Hebrew thought, Sheol is the realm of the dead, a place of darkness and silence. It represents the grave or the afterlife, where the dead reside.

4. Samuel
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Samuel is the child for whom Hannah prayed and whom she dedicated to the Lord. His life and ministry are a testament to God's faithfulness and power.

5. Israel
The nation to whom this message is ultimately directed, reminding them of God's control over life and death, and His ability to deliver and restore.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God has ultimate control over life and death. This understanding should lead to a deeper trust in His plans and purposes, even when they are beyond our comprehension.

The Power of Prayer
Hannah's prayer is a model of faith and submission. We are encouraged to bring our deepest desires and concerns to God, trusting in His wisdom and timing.

Hope in Resurrection
The mention of God raising up from Sheol points to the hope of resurrection and eternal life. Believers can find comfort in the promise of life beyond death through Jesus Christ.

God's Faithfulness
Just as God answered Hannah's prayer and fulfilled His promises, we can be assured of His faithfulness in our lives. This should inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith.

Life's Transience
Understanding that life and death are in God's hands should lead us to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing what truly matters in light of eternity.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over life and death impact your daily life and decision-making?

2. In what ways can Hannah's prayer inspire your own prayer life, especially in times of waiting or uncertainty?

3. How does the hope of resurrection influence your perspective on suffering and loss?

4. Can you identify a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in a situation that seemed hopeless? How did it strengthen your faith?

5. How can you live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing God's kingdom in your daily activities and relationships?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Deuteronomy 32:39
This verse echoes the theme of God's sovereignty over life and death, emphasizing that there is no god besides Him who can deliver from His hand.

Job 1:21
Job acknowledges God's authority in giving and taking away, similar to Hannah's recognition of God's power over life and death.

John 11:25
Jesus declares Himself as the resurrection and the life, connecting to the theme of God raising up from Sheol, offering eternal life through Christ.

Revelation 1:18
Jesus holds the keys to death and Hades, affirming His authority over life and death, resonating with the power described in 1 Samuel 2:6.
Sermons
From Death to LifeSpurgeon, Charles Haddon1 Samuel 2:6
Killed, Then Made AliveT. Guthrie, D. D.1 Samuel 2:6
Hannah's SongA. F. Kirkpatrick, D. D.1 Samuel 2:1-10
Hannah's Song of ThanksgivingW. G. Blaikie.1 Samuel 2:1-10
Rejoicing in the LordB. Dale 1 Samuel 2:1-10
Spiritual GladnessManton, Thomas1 Samuel 2:1-10
The Prayer Song of HannahD. Fraser 1 Samuel 2:1-10
People
Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, Samuel
Places
Egypt, Ramah, Shiloh
Topics
Alive, Bringeth, Brings, Death, Giver, Grave, Keepeth, Killeth, Kills, Lifting, Makes, Maketh, Putteth, Raises, Sending, Sheol, Underworld
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 2:6

     4016   life, human
     5204   age
     9040   grave, the
     9540   Sheol

1 Samuel 2:1-10

     5849   exaltation
     8352   thankfulness

1 Samuel 2:6-9

     4019   life, believers' experience
     6703   peace, divine OT

Library
The Child Prophet
'And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 8. And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4. That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5. And he ran onto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Reverence in Worship.
"Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."--1 Samuel ii. 18. Samuel, viewed in his place in sacred history, that is, in the course of events which connect Moses with Christ, appears as a great ruler and teacher of his people; this is his prominent character. He was the first of the prophets; yet, when we read the sacred narrative itself, in which his life is set before us, I suppose those passages are the more striking and impressive which represent him, in …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Though the Fore-Mentioned Eternal Moral Obligations
are incumbent indeed on all rational creatures, antecedent to any respect of particular reward or punishment, yet they must certainly and necessarily be attended with rewards and punishments: Because the same reasons, which prove God himself to be necessarily just and good, and the rules of justice, equity, and goodness, to be his unalterable will, law, and command, to all created beings; prove also that he cannot but be pleased with and approve such creatures as imitate and obey him by observing …
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Letter xxix. To Marcella.
An explanation of the Hebrew words Ephod bad (1 Sam. ii. 18) and Teraphim (Judges xvii. 5). Written at Rome to Marcella, also at Rome a.d. 384. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

A Private Enquiry
"What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee?"--1 Samuel 3:17. THE Lord would not speak directly to Eli, although he was the High Priest. In ordinary circumstances it would have been so; but Eli had grieved the Lord, and thus had lost his honorable standing. God had not cast him off; but he viewed him with such displeasure that he would only speak to him through another person: even as great kings, if they are offended with their courtiers, send them messages by other hands. The Lord sent, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Mystery
Of the Woman dwelling in the Wilderness. The woman delivered of a child, when the dragon was overcome, from thenceforth dwelt in the wilderness, by which is figured the state of the Church, liberated from Pagan tyranny, to the time of the seventh trumpet, and the second Advent of Christ, by the type, not of a latent, invisible, but, as it were, an intermediate condition, like that of the lsraelitish Church journeying in the wilderness, from its departure from Egypt, to its entrance into the land …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Sanctification.
VI. Objections answered. I will consider those passages of scripture which are by some supposed to contradict the doctrine we have been considering. 1 Kings viii. 46: "If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near," etc. On this passage, I remark:-- 1. That this sentiment in nearly the same language, is repeated in 2 Chron. vi. 26, and in Eccl. …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
Text: Ephesians 4, 1-6. 1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Entire Sanctification
By Dr. Adam Clarke The word "sanctify" has two meanings. 1. It signifies to consecrate, to separate from earth and common use, and to devote or dedicate to God and his service. 2. It signifies to make holy or pure. Many talk much, and indeed well, of what Christ has done for us: but how little is spoken of what he is to do in us! and yet all that he has done for us is in reference to what he is to do in us. He was incarnated, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead; ascended to heaven, and there …
Adam Clarke—Entire Sanctification

The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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