1 Samuel 2:7

The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.

Study Bible

The LORD
The Hebrew word used here is "Yahweh," the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. This name signifies God's eternal presence and His role as the sovereign ruler over all creation. In the context of 1 Samuel, it underscores the divine authority and power of God in the unfolding narrative of Israel's history. Yahweh is not a distant deity but an intimately involved God who orchestrates the events of human life.

sends poverty and wealth
The Hebrew verb "mashpil" (sends) indicates an active role of God in the distribution of life's circumstances. This phrase highlights the belief in God's providence, where He is seen as the ultimate source of both material lack and abundance. The juxtaposition of poverty and wealth serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly possessions and the importance of relying on God's provision. Historically, this reflects the agrarian society of ancient Israel, where wealth was often measured in terms of land and livestock, and poverty was a constant threat due to famine or invasion.

He humbles and He exalts
The verbs "mashpil" (humbles) and "meromem" (exalts) illustrate God's sovereign ability to alter the status of individuals according to His divine will. This reflects a recurring biblical theme where God raises the humble and brings down the proud, as seen in the lives of figures like Joseph, David, and Nebuchadnezzar. Theologically, it speaks to the justice and righteousness of God, who sees beyond human appearances and rewards or disciplines according to His perfect wisdom. This phrase encourages believers to trust in God's timing and purposes, knowing that He is just and His plans are for the ultimate good of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Hannah
The mother of Samuel, who offers a prayer of thanksgiving to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and justice.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The central figure in this verse, whose actions of making poor and rich, bringing low and exalting, demonstrate His ultimate control over human circumstances.

3. Israel
The nation to whom these truths are particularly relevant, as they navigate their relationship with God and their socio-political challenges.

4. The Tabernacle at Shiloh
The setting where Hannah prays and dedicates Samuel to the LORD, symbolizing a place of divine encounter and revelation.

5. Eli
The priest at Shiloh, whose household contrasts with Hannah's faithfulness, highlighting themes of divine justice and reversal.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty
Recognize that God is in control of all circumstances, whether wealth or poverty, and trust in His divine plan.

Humility and Exaltation
Understand that God values humility and can exalt those who humble themselves before Him.

Divine Justice
Acknowledge that God's actions are just, and He will ultimately bring about justice in His timing.

Contentment in All Circumstances
Learn to be content with what God provides, knowing that He has a purpose for every situation.

Faithful Stewardship
Use whatever resources God has given—whether much or little—for His glory and the benefit of others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does understanding God's sovereignty over wealth and poverty affect your perspective on your current financial situation?

2. In what ways can you practice humility in your daily life, trusting that God will exalt you in His timing?

3. How can you apply the principle of contentment in your life, regardless of your circumstances?

4. What are some practical ways you can be a faithful steward of the resources God has entrusted to you?

5. How do the themes in 1 Samuel 2:7 connect with the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, particularly regarding humility and exaltation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Job 1:21
This verse echoes the theme of God's sovereignty over wealth and poverty, as Job acknowledges that the LORD gives and takes away.

Psalm 75:7
This psalm reinforces the idea that God is the judge who brings one down and exalts another, similar to the themes in Hannah's prayer.

James 4:10
This New Testament verse connects to the theme of humility and exaltation, encouraging believers to humble themselves before the Lord for exaltation.

Luke 1:52
Mary's Magnificat parallels Hannah's prayer, celebrating God's action of bringing down rulers and lifting up the humble.

Proverbs 22:2
This proverb highlights the commonality of rich and poor under God's creation, emphasizing His sovereignty over all.