1 Samuel 2:1

KJV

¶ And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Hannah {H2584} prayed {H6419}, and said {H559}, My heart {H3820} rejoiceth {H5970} in the LORD {H3068}, mine horn {H7161} is exalted {H7311} in the LORD {H3068}: my mouth {H6310} is enlarged {H7337} over mine enemies {H341}; because I rejoice {H8055} in thy salvation {H3444}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Hannah prayed; she said: "My heart exults in ADONAI! My dignity has been restored by ADONAI! I can gloat over my enemies, because of my joy at your saving me.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Hannah prayed: “My heart rejoices in the LORD in whom my horn is exalted. My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, for I rejoice in Your salvation.

American Standard Version

And Hannah prayed, and said: My heart exulteth in Jehovah; My horn is exalted in Jehovah; My mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; Because I rejoice in thy salvation.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
1 Samuel 2:1 inaugurates Hannah's profound prayer of thanksgiving, a prophetic hymn often called Hannah's Song. This verse captures her overflowing, exultant joy and deep gratitude to the LORD, not merely for the gift of her son, Samuel, but for God's character, faithfulness, and powerful intervention in her life, reversing her long-standing barrenness and silencing her adversaries. It sets the tone for a song that magnifies God's sovereignty and His justice in elevating the humble and humbling the proud.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the miraculous birth of Samuel, a direct answer to Hannah's fervent and tearful prayer and solemn vow at Shiloh, recorded in [1 Samuel 1:10-11](/1_samuel/1-10 "1 Samuel 1:10-11 - Hannah's Prayer and Vow"). After dedicating Samuel to the LORD's service, Hannah bursts forth in this song of praise, demonstrating that her joy is rooted not in the fulfillment of her desire for a child, but in the God who answers prayer and vindicates His faithful servants. The song serves as a theological anchor for the entire book, introducing key themes of divine sovereignty, the reversal of human fortunes, and God's ultimate kingship, which will be dramatically unfolded through the narratives of Samuel, Saul, and David. It functions as a prophetic overture, foreshadowing God's future actions in Israel's history.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israelite society, barrenness was a profound source of shame and sorrow for women, often perceived as a divine curse or disfavor. Children, especially sons, were seen as a blessing from God, ensuring family lineage and social standing. Hannah's suffering, exacerbated by Peninnah's taunts ([1 Samuel 1:6-7](/1_samuel/1-6 "1 Samuel 1:6-7 - Peninnah's Provocation")), was deeply personal yet culturally resonant. The "horn" in ancient Near Eastern culture was a powerful symbol of strength, dignity, and honor, often associated with animals like bulls or rams. To have one's horn "exalted" meant to be lifted up, vindicated, and given power or authority. Conversely, to have one's horn "cut off" signified humiliation and defeat ([Psalm 75:10](/psalms/75-10 "Psalm 75:10 - God Cuts Off the Horns of the Wicked")). Hannah's declaration reflects a profound understanding of God as the ultimate source of all power and vindication, capable of reversing social and personal standing.

* **Key Themes:** Hannah's song introduces and develops several foundational themes that permeate the book of 1 Samuel and indeed the entire biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty**, where God is depicted as actively involved in human affairs, orchestrating events, and demonstrating His power over life and death, barrenness and fertility ([1 Samuel 2:6-8](/1_samuel/2-6 "1 Samuel 2:6-8 - God's Power to Bring Low and Lift Up")). Another crucial theme is the **Reversal of Fortunes**, where the proud are humbled and the humble are exalted. Hannah's personal experience of being lifted from barrenness and shame to joy and honor becomes a microcosm of God's broader work in history, exemplified later in the fall of Saul and the rise of David. The song also emphasizes **Joy in the LORD**, highlighting that true rejoicing is found not in circumstances or gifts, but in the character and faithfulness of God Himself, who delivers and saves. Finally, the theme of **God's Salvation** is central, encompassing not just personal deliverance from distress but also God's redemptive plan for His people, culminating in the establishment of His anointed king ([1 Samuel 2:10](/1_samuel/2-10 "1 Samuel 2:10 - God's Anointed King")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Rejoiceth (Hebrew, _‘ālatz'_):** This word signifies a deep, exultant, leaping joy, often associated with triumph or divine deliverance. It's not merely happiness, but an overflowing, almost physical expression of delight that springs from a profound sense of vindication and salvation. Hannah's joy is not superficial; it is a spiritual exhilaration rooted in God's character and His mighty acts.
* **Horn (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** As noted in the cultural context, the "horn" symbolizes strength, power, dignity, and honor. In this verse, "mine horn is exalted" is a powerful **metaphor** for Hannah's restoration of status, strength, and self-respect. It speaks to her vindication from the shame of barrenness and the taunts of Peninnah. God is the one who has lifted her up and restored her dignity.
* **Enlarged (Hebrew, _raḥab'_):** The verb "raḥab" means to be wide, spacious, or broad. When applied to the mouth, "my mouth is enlarged" signifies a newfound freedom and boldness to speak, to declare, and to triumph openly. It implies that her mouth, once perhaps closed in sorrow or shame, is now wide open in praise and victorious declaration over those who had tormented her. It speaks to her complete vindication and the ability to articulate her triumph.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Hannah prayed, and said,"**: This opening phrase immediately establishes the nature of the following text as a direct address to God, indicating a deeply personal and spiritual communication. The term "prayed" (תִּתְפַּלֵּל, _titpallel_) suggests a formal, earnest petition or discourse with God, even though the content is primarily praise.
* **"My heart rejoiceth in the LORD,"**: Hannah's joy is explicitly directed towards the LORD, not merely the blessing (Samuel) He has given. This highlights the theological principle that true joy is found in the Giver, not just the gift. Her heart, the seat of emotion and will, finds its ultimate delight and satisfaction in God's character and His faithfulness.
* **"mine horn is exalted in the LORD:"**: This powerful metaphorical statement declares that Hannah's strength, dignity, and honor have been restored and elevated, and critically, that this exaltation comes *from* the LORD. It signifies her vindication and triumph over the shame of barrenness and the mockery of her adversary, acknowledging God as the sole source of her renewed status.
* **"my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies;"**: This clause expresses her complete triumph and freedom to speak openly and boldly. Her "enemies" primarily refer to Peninnah, who had provoked her, but can also encompass the broader adversity and sorrow she experienced. Her "enlarged mouth" signifies her ability to declare God's goodness and her vindication without shame or fear, effectively silencing her detractors.
* **"because I rejoice in thy salvation."**: This concluding phrase provides the ultimate reason for her joy and triumph: God's "salvation" (יְשׁוּעָה, _yeshū‘āh_). This term encompasses God's deliverance, rescue, and the fulfillment of His promises. Hannah's personal experience of being granted a child is a profound act of salvation, but her song, as it unfolds, points to God's broader redemptive plan for His people, foreshadowing a greater salvation to come.

#### Literary Devices
Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1 is rich with **Metaphor** and **Parallelism**. The most prominent metaphor is "mine horn is exalted," where the "horn" symbolizes strength, dignity, and power. This vivid imagery conveys Hannah's restored honor and vindication, attributing it directly to the LORD. The phrase "my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the completeness of her triumph and her newfound freedom to speak boldly, though it also functions as a **Metonymy** where the mouth represents her voice and declaration. The verse also employs **Parallelism**, particularly synthetic parallelism, where the second and third clauses ("mine horn is exalted in the LORD" and "my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies") expand upon and reinforce the initial declaration of joy in the LORD, each adding a new dimension to her experience of divine vindication and strength. The repetition of "rejoice" also creates a sense of **Emphasis**, underscoring the depth and source of her joy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1 is a profound theological statement, setting a template for understanding God's character and His ways throughout redemptive history. Her joy is not in the gift but in the Giver, establishing a critical theological principle that true satisfaction and security are found solely in the LORD. Her experience of personal salvation and vindication foreshadows God's consistent pattern of reversing human fortunes, humbling the proud, and exalting the lowly. This theme is central to the biblical narrative, demonstrating God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, from individual circumstances to national destinies. Her song is a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to deliver and transform.

* [Psalm 18:2](/psalms/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The LORD My Rock and My Fortress")
* [Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Magnificat")
* [Psalm 75:10](/psalms/75-10 "Psalm 75:10 - God Cuts Off the Horns of the Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:1 offers a timeless model for faith and worship, particularly in times of answered prayer or deliverance. It challenges us to cultivate a heart that rejoices primarily in the LORD Himself, rather than in the blessings He bestows. While it is natural to be grateful for answered prayers, Hannah redirects her ultimate praise to God's character—His faithfulness, power, and salvific nature. This verse encourages us to trust in God's timing and His ability to vindicate us from our adversaries, whether they be external foes or internal struggles like shame and despair. It reminds us that God is the one who lifts up the humble and gives strength to the weak, enabling us to speak boldly of His goodness even after periods of silence and suffering. Our "salvation" in Christ is the ultimate reason for our rejoicing, empowering us to declare His praise with an "enlarged mouth" to a world in need of His deliverance.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What is the primary source of your joy and satisfaction? Is it rooted in God Himself, or in His gifts and circumstances?**
* **How does Hannah's experience of being vindicated by God encourage you in your own struggles with adversity or personal "enemies"?**
* **In what ways has God "exalted your horn" or "enlarged your mouth" in your life, restoring your dignity or enabling you to speak His praise?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Hannah stating, "mine horn is exalted in the LORD"?**

Answer: The "horn" in ancient Near Eastern culture was a powerful symbol of strength, dignity, and honor, often associated with powerful animals like bulls. To have one's horn "exalted" means to be lifted up, to gain power, respect, and vindication. For Hannah, this signifies her restoration from the shame of barrenness and the taunts of her rival, Peninnah. It's a declaration that God Himself has restored her status, dignity, and strength, demonstrating His power to reverse human fortunes. This metaphor is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as [Psalm 75:10](/psalms/75-10 "Psalm 75:10 - God Cuts Off the Horns of the Wicked"), where God declares He will cut off the horns of the wicked but exalt the horns of the righteous.

**Who are Hannah's "enemies" over whom her mouth is "enlarged"?**

Answer: While Hannah's most immediate and personal "enemy" was Peninnah, her husband Elkanah's other wife, who continually provoked her because of her barrenness ([1 Samuel 1:6-7](/1_samuel/1-6 "1 Samuel 1:6-7 - Peninnah's Provocation")), the term "enemies" in this context can be understood more broadly. It encompasses any form of adversity, sorrow, or opposition that had silenced Hannah's joy and brought her low. Her "enlarged mouth" signifies her newfound freedom and boldness to speak, to declare God's goodness, and to triumph openly, no longer silenced by grief or shame. It is a testament to God's complete intervention and her vindication.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hannah's song in 1 Samuel 2:1, with its themes of divine reversal, the exaltation of the humble, and joy in God's salvation, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Hannah's personal experience of being lifted from barrenness and shame foreshadows the greater spiritual reversal brought about by Christ: the humbling of the proud and the exaltation of those who humble themselves before God ([Matthew 23:12](/matthew/23-12 "Matthew 23:12 - Humility and Exaltation")). Her rejoicing in God's "salvation" points directly to the ultimate salvation accomplished through Christ's atoning work on the cross and His resurrection. He is the true "horn of salvation" that God has raised up for His people ([Luke 1:69](/luke/1-69 "Luke 1:69 - Zechariah's Prophecy of the Horn of Salvation")). Just as Hannah's barrenness gave way to fruitfulness, Christ's death and resurrection bring spiritual life and fruitfulness to those who were spiritually barren in sin ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ, Bearing Fruit")). Mary's Magnificat in [Luke 1:46-55](/luke/1-46 "Luke 1:46-55 - Mary's Magnificat") echoes Hannah's song almost perfectly, celebrating God's power to cast down the mighty and lift up the lowly, explicitly connecting this divine pattern to the coming of the Messiah. Thus, Hannah's personal triumph becomes a prophetic blueprint for the cosmic triumph of God through His Son, Jesus Christ, who delivers His people from their enemies and exalts them in His grace.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 1:46

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

Luke 1:56

And Mary abode with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

Psalms 13:5

But I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation.

Isaiah 12:2

Behold, God [is] my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH [is] my strength and [my] song; he also is become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:3

Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

Psalms 92:10

But my horn shalt thou exalt like [the horn of] an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.