1 Samuel 2:9
He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail.
He guards the steps
The Hebrew word for "guards" is "שָׁמַר" (shamar), which means to keep, watch, or preserve. This conveys the idea of God as a vigilant protector, actively involved in the lives of His faithful. In the ancient Near Eastern context, a guard was someone who provided safety and security, often standing watch over a city or a person. This imagery assures believers that God is intimately involved in their journey, guiding and protecting them as they walk in His ways.

of His faithful ones
The term "faithful ones" is derived from the Hebrew "חֲסִידָיו" (chasidav), which refers to those who are loyal, devoted, and pious. This word is often associated with covenant loyalty, indicating a deep, personal relationship with God. In the historical context of Israel, being faithful meant adhering to the covenantal laws and maintaining a steadfast love for God. This phrase reassures believers that their faithfulness is not unnoticed by God, and He is committed to their well-being.

but the wicked perish in darkness
The word "wicked" comes from the Hebrew "רְשָׁעִים" (resha'im), meaning those who are guilty or morally wrong. The phrase "perish in darkness" uses "חֹשֶׁךְ" (choshech) for darkness, symbolizing chaos, evil, and judgment. In biblical literature, darkness often represents the absence of God's presence and favor. This stark contrast between the fate of the faithful and the wicked serves as a warning and a call to righteousness, emphasizing that those who reject God's ways will ultimately face destruction and separation from His light.

for by his own strength shall no man prevail
The Hebrew word for "strength" is "כֹּחַ" (koach), which denotes physical power or might. The phrase underscores the futility of relying solely on human ability and effort. In the historical context of Israel, victories and successes were attributed to God's intervention rather than human prowess. This serves as a reminder that true success and victory come from dependence on God, not from self-reliance. It encourages believers to trust in God's power and provision, recognizing that human strength is insufficient without divine support.

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

2. Samuel
The child dedicated to the Lord by Hannah, who would become a significant prophet and judge in Israel.

3. Eli
The priest at Shiloh, where Hannah prays and dedicates Samuel to the Lord.

4. Shiloh
The religious center where the Ark of the Covenant was kept and where Hannah prayed.

5. The Faithful and the Wicked
Representing two groups of people in the verse, highlighting the contrast between those who follow God and those who do not.
Teaching Points
God's Protection for the Faithful
God actively guards and directs the lives of those who are faithful to Him. This assurance should encourage believers to trust in His guidance and protection.

The Futility of Self-Reliance
Human strength and wisdom are insufficient for true success and security. Believers are called to rely on God's strength rather than their own.

The Consequences of Wickedness
Those who reject God and choose wickedness will ultimately face destruction and darkness. This serves as a warning to turn away from sin and towards God.

Living in the Light
As followers of Christ, believers are called to walk in the light, reflecting His truth and righteousness in a world filled with darkness.

The Sovereignty of God
God's control over the affairs of humanity is evident. He exalts the humble and brings down the proud, demonstrating His ultimate authority and justice.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the assurance of God's protection for His faithful ones impact your daily life and decisions?

2. In what ways can you guard against relying on your own strength rather than trusting in God's power?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's guidance in your life. How did it strengthen your faith?

4. How can you actively choose to walk in the light of Christ in your current circumstances?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that you are living in alignment with God's sovereignty and justice, as demonstrated in 1 Samuel 2:9?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Psalm 37:23-24
This passage speaks of the Lord establishing the steps of the righteous, similar to how He guards the steps of His faithful ones in 1 Samuel 2:9.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord rather than one's own understanding, aligning with the idea that no man prevails by his own strength.

John 8:12
Jesus declares Himself the light of the world, contrasting the darkness in which the wicked perish.

Ephesians 6:10
Paul instructs believers to be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, echoing the futility of relying on one's own strength.

1 Peter 1:5
Speaks of believers being shielded by God's power, similar to how He guards the steps of His faithful ones.
God's Guardianship of His SaintsB. Dale 1 Samuel 2:9
Heavenly PreservationC. Perren.1 Samuel 2:9
The Conduct of the Lord Towards Saints and SinnersSketches of Four Hundred Sermons1 Samuel 2:9
The Custody of God Over His PeopleT. Herren, D. D.1 Samuel 2:9
The Security of the Saints and the Ruin of the WickedJ. Jowett, M. A.1 Samuel 2:9
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
Cut, Dark, Darkness, Evil-doers, Faithful, Godly, Guard, Holy, Keepeth, Keeps, Mighty, Ones, Overcome, Power, Prevail, Prevails, Saints, Silence, Silenced, Silent, Strength, Wicked
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 2:9

     5151   feet
     5292   defence, divine
     5330   guard
     5480   protection
     5950   silence
     7021   church, OT anticipations
     7155   saints
     9110   after-life

1 Samuel 2:1-10

     5849   exaltation
     8352   thankfulness

1 Samuel 2:6-9

     4019   life, believers' experience
     6703   peace, divine OT

1 Samuel 2:8-9

     1330   God, the provider

1 Samuel 2:9-10

     4812   darkness, God's judgment

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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