(The Lord speaking is red text)
The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
ADONAI makes poor, and he makes rich; he humbles, and he exalts.
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.
Jehovah maketh poor, and maketh rich: He bringeth low, he also lifteth up.
The LORD{H3068} maketh poor{H3423}, and maketh rich{H6238}: he bringeth low{H8213}, and{H637} lifteth up{H7311}.
1 Samuel 2:7 is part of Hannah's prayer of thanksgiving after she dedicates her son Samuel to the service of the Lord at the temple in Shiloh. The historical context of this verse is set during a period of spiritual decline in Israel, where the priesthood under Eli was corrupt, and the nation faced moral and political challenges. Hannah's prayer reflects a deep understanding of God's sovereignty and His control over human affairs.
The themes of 1 Samuel 2:7 include the sovereignty of God, divine providence, and the reversal of human fortunes. The verse acknowledges that the Lord has the power to determine the economic and social status of individuals; He can make someone poor or rich, bring them to a lowly state or exalt them. This declaration emphasizes that human circumstances are ultimately under divine governance, and it serves as a theological affirmation that God is actively involved in the world, orchestrating events according to His will and purpose.
The verse also speaks to the theme of humility and trust in God. It suggests that one's status in life is not a reliable indicator of one's standing with God. Instead, it is the attitude of the heart and trust in God's plan that matters. This understanding would have been particularly poignant in the time of Hannah, as it contrasted with the prevailing assumption that material wealth and social status were signs of divine favor.
In summary, 1 Samuel 2:7 encapsulates the belief in God's active role in human life, reminding the faithful that He is the one who ultimately controls the circumstances of life, and that true worship and trust in God transcend worldly measures of success. This verse reassures believers that despite their current situation, God's plan is at work, and He has the power to change their circumstances according to His will.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)