1 Samuel 2:10

KJV

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

KJV (with Strong's)

The adversaries {H7378} of the LORD {H3068} shall be broken to pieces {H2865}; out of heaven {H8064} shall he thunder {H7481} upon them: the LORD {H3068} shall judge {H1777} the ends {H657} of the earth {H776}; and he shall give {H5414} strength {H5797} unto his king {H4428}, and exalt {H7311} the horn {H7161} of his anointed {H4899}.

Complete Jewish Bible

those who fight ADONAI will be shattered; he will thunder against them in heaven ADONAI will judge the ends of the earth. He will strengthen his king and enhance the power of his anointed."

Berean Standard Bible

Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed.”

American Standard Version

They that strive with Jehovah shall be broken to pieces; Against them will he thunder in heaven: Jehovah will judge the ends of the earth; And he will give strength unto his king, And exalt the horn of his anointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hannah's prophetic prayer in 1 Samuel 2:10 transcends her personal triumph, offering a profound declaration of God's universal sovereignty, His righteous judgment against all who oppose Him, and His unwavering commitment to establish and empower His chosen king and Messiah. This verse encapsulates a sweeping vision of divine justice, cosmic authority, and the ultimate triumph of God's anointed ruler, foreshadowing the future monarchy of Israel and ultimately, the eternal reign of Jesus Christ.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful verse concludes Hannah's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving, recorded in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2 "1 Samuel 2 - Hannah's Prayer"). Following years of barrenness and the subsequent miraculous birth of Samuel, whom she dedicated to the Lord's service at Shiloh, Hannah pours out her heart in praise. Her prayer is far more than a personal expression of gratitude; it is a profound theological treatise that frames the entire book of Samuel. It introduces key themes of divine reversal (the humble exalted, the proud brought low), God's sovereignty over life and death, and His ultimate judgment. This specific verse, the climax of her prayer, shifts from personal testimony to cosmic prophecy, setting the stage for the establishment of the monarchy and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for Israel.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** At the time of Hannah's prayer, Israel was in the period of the Judges, a time characterized by spiritual decline, moral corruption, and a lack of central leadership (as famously summarized in [Judges 21:25](/judges/21-25 "Judges 21:25 - Everyone Did What Was Right in Their Own Eyes")). There was no king in Israel. The tabernacle was at Shiloh, and the priesthood, under Eli, was largely corrupt. Hannah's barrenness was a significant social and spiritual burden, often interpreted as divine disfavor. Her prayer, therefore, emerges from a context of personal anguish and national disarray, yet it remarkably anticipates a future, divinely appointed king. The imagery of "horn" and "anointed" would resonate with ancient Near Eastern concepts of power and divine selection for leadership.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several foundational themes. It underscores God's **divine justice and judgment**, asserting His absolute power to dismantle the "adversaries of the LORD" and to "thunder upon them" from heaven, demonstrating His irresistible might against all unrighteousness. This theme is echoed throughout the Old Testament, such as in [Psalm 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - God Judges the World with Righteousness"). Furthermore, it proclaims God's **universal sovereignty**, declaring that "the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth," emphasizing His dominion over all nations and creation, not just Israel. Most remarkably, it introduces the pivotal theme of **the coming king and anointed one**, a concept entirely new in this context. Hannah's prophetic words, "he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed," anticipate the future monarchy in Israel, specifically foreshadowing the Davidic covenant found in [2 Samuel 7:12-16](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12-16 - The Davidic Covenant"), and ultimately pointing to the Messiah, the ultimate King.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Adversaries (Hebrew, _tsarim'_):** This term refers to those who are hostile, oppressive, or in distress, often implying enemies who cause trouble or anguish. In Hannah's prayer, it signifies not just personal antagonists but those who stand in opposition to God Himself and His righteous purposes. Their being "broken to pieces" indicates a complete and utter defeat, a divine dismantling of all opposition.
* **Horn (Hebrew, _qeren'_):** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the horn of an animal (like a bull or ram) was a potent symbol of strength, power, dignity, and honor. To "exalt the horn" (or "lift up the horn") means to increase one's power, authority, and prestige, signifying victory and triumph. Here, it prophetically points to the divine empowerment and exaltation of God's chosen king and, supremely, His Messiah.
* **Anointed (Hebrew, _mashiaḥ'_):** This is the foundational term from which "Messiah" (Hebrew) and "Christ" (Greek) are derived. It literally means "one who is anointed" with oil, a ritual act signifying divine appointment for a special office—prophet, priest, or king. Its first appearance in Scripture in connection with a future king is profoundly significant, establishing a prophetic trajectory that culminates in Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces;":** This clause declares God's decisive and destructive judgment upon all who oppose Him. The imagery of being "broken to pieces" (חַתּוּ, _ḥattu_) conveys a violent, complete, and irreversible shattering, emphasizing the futility of resisting divine power. It speaks to God's justice in dealing with evil and unrighteousness.
* **"out of heaven shall he thunder upon them:":** This vivid imagery portrays God as a divine warrior, actively intervening from His celestial throne. Thunder is often associated with God's voice, power, and judgment in the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 18:13](/psalms/18-13 "Psalm 18:13 - God Thunders from Heaven")). It signifies a direct, overwhelming, and terrifying display of divine wrath and authority, ensuring the total defeat of His adversaries.
* **"the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth;":** This expands the scope of God's judgment from specific adversaries to a universal scale. "The ends of the earth" signifies the totality of creation and humanity, asserting God's absolute sovereignty and jurisdiction over all nations and peoples. It underscores that His justice is not limited to Israel but extends globally, affirming His role as the ultimate cosmic Judge.
* **"and he shall give strength unto his king,":** This marks a significant prophetic shift. At a time when Israel had no king, Hannah foresees God's active role in establishing and empowering a divinely chosen monarch. "Strength" (עֹז, _'oz_) implies not merely physical might but authority, power, and victory. This points directly to the future institution of the monarchy in Israel, beginning with Saul and culminating in the Davidic dynasty.
* **"and exalt the horn of his anointed.":** This climactic phrase reiterates and intensifies the promise of divine empowerment for the king, specifically using the term "anointed" (_mashiaḥ_). To "exalt the horn" signifies elevating the chosen one to a position of supreme power, honor, and triumph. This is not just about human kingship but points beyond it to the ultimate "Anointed One," the Messiah, whose reign will be one of unparalleled strength and eternal glory.

#### Literary Devices
Hannah's prayer, particularly this verse, is rich with **Imagery** and **Prophecy**. The imagery of "broken to pieces" and "thunder" from heaven powerfully conveys God's destructive judgment and overwhelming might, painting a picture of an irresistible divine warrior. The "exalted horn" is a vivid **Metaphor** for strength, dignity, and triumph, drawing on familiar ancient Near Eastern symbolism. The entire verse functions as a profound **Prophecy**, foretelling events far beyond Hannah's immediate context: the establishment of the monarchy in Israel and, more significantly, the coming of the Messiah. The structure also exhibits elements of **Parallelism**, especially in the two concluding clauses, where "give strength unto his king" is paralleled and amplified by "exalt the horn of his anointed," suggesting a deeper, ultimate fulfillment in the messianic figure.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Samuel 2:10 stands as a foundational theological statement, linking God's sovereign justice with His redemptive plan centered on a divinely chosen ruler. It reveals that God's ultimate victory over evil is inextricably tied to the establishment and empowerment of His "king" and "anointed one." This verse encapsulates the tension between divine judgment and divine salvation, where the same God who shatters His adversaries also strengthens His chosen instrument. It sets the stage for the entire narrative arc of the Old Testament, which grapples with the successes and failures of human kingship, constantly pointing forward to the perfect, eternal King. This prophetic utterance establishes a crucial messianic trajectory, revealing God's intention to bring about His kingdom through an anointed human agent.

* [Psalm 96:13](/psalms/96-13 "Psalm 96:13 - The Lord Comes to Judge the Earth with Righteousness")
* [Psalm 2:2](/psalms/2-2 "Psalm 2:2 - The Kings of the Earth Set Themselves Against the Lord and His Anointed")
* [2 Samuel 7:12](/2_samuel/7-12 "2 Samuel 7:12 - God's Covenant with David and His Descendants")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Hannah's prayer, culminating in this powerful verse, invites us to cultivate a deep trust in God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering commitment to justice. In a world often marked by apparent chaos, injustice, and the flourishing of evil, this passage reminds us that God is on His throne, actively ruling and orchestrating all things according to His perfect will. We are called to relinquish our desire for personal vengeance, knowing that ultimate judgment belongs to the Lord, who will "thunder upon" His adversaries and "judge the ends of the earth." Furthermore, this verse fuels our hope and anticipation for the full establishment of Christ's kingdom. It reminds us that God empowers His chosen ones—not just kings of old, but all who are "in Christ"—to participate in His redemptive purposes. Our strength, like that of the anointed king, comes from Him, enabling us to live faithfully and courageously in anticipation of His glorious return and the full manifestation of His righteous reign.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Hannah's personal experience of God's faithfulness lead her to such a grand, prophetic declaration about His universal reign?**
* **What comfort and challenge do you find in the assurance that "the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth"?**
* **In what ways does the concept of God "exalting the horn of His anointed" encourage you in your own walk of faith and service?**
* **How does understanding the prophetic nature of this verse deepen your appreciation for Jesus as the ultimate King and Messiah?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "horn" in biblical imagery, and why is it "exalted"?**

Answer: In biblical and ancient Near Eastern cultures, the "horn" (Hebrew: _qeren_) is a powerful symbol of strength, power, dignity, and honor. Animals like bulls or rams, known for their formidable horns, were often associated with might and leadership. To "exalt the horn" or "lift up the horn" means to increase one's power, authority, and prestige, signifying triumph, victory, and elevation to a position of prominence. In [1 Samuel 2:10](/1_samuel/2-10 "1 Samuel 2:10 - Hannah's Prophetic Prayer"), it prophetically points to God's divine empowerment and exaltation of His chosen king and, ultimately, the Messiah, ensuring their victory and authority over all opposition. This imagery is also used elsewhere, such as in [Psalm 75:10](/psalms/75-10 "Psalm 75:10 - The Horns of the Wicked Will Be Cut Off, But the Horns of the Righteous Will Be Lifted High"), where the horns of the wicked are cut off, while the horns of the righteous are exalted.

**How could Hannah, living in the time of the Judges, prophesy about a "king" and "anointed one" when Israel had no monarchy?**

Answer: Hannah's prophecy is a remarkable testament to divine inspiration. While Israel was indeed governed by judges at the time, the concept of a king was not entirely foreign. [Deuteronomy 17:14-20](/deuteronomy/17-14 "Deuteronomy 17:14-20 - Laws Concerning a King") already contained provisions for a future king, indicating that God had always intended for Israel to have a monarch, albeit one chosen and guided by Him. Hannah, filled with the Holy Spirit during her prayer, was given a prophetic glimpse into God's unfolding plan for His people. Her words anticipate the imminent establishment of the monarchy, which would begin with Saul and find its true spiritual and dynastic foundation in David, as detailed in [2 Samuel 7](/2_samuel/7 "2 Samuel 7 - The Davidic Covenant"). More profoundly, her use of "anointed" (_mashiaḥ_) points beyond any human king to the ultimate King, the Messiah, whose coming was God's ultimate solution for humanity's sin and brokenness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Hannah's prophetic declaration in [1 Samuel 2:10](/1_samuel/2-10 "1 Samuel 2:10 - Hannah's Prophetic Prayer") finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "Anointed One" (_Mashiaḥ_ in Hebrew, _Christos_ in Greek), designated by God not merely as a human king but as the divine King of kings and Lord of lords. The promise that God would "give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed" is perfectly realized in Christ's earthly ministry, His victorious resurrection, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father, where all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (as declared in [Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Has Been Given to Jesus")). The "adversaries of the LORD" who shall be "broken to pieces" and upon whom God will "thunder from heaven" ultimately refer to all forces of evil, sin, and death that Christ decisively defeated on the cross and will utterly vanquish at His second coming (as seen in [Revelation 19:11-16](/revelation/19-11 "Revelation 19:11-16 - Christ the Victorious Rider")). Jesus is the one who "shall judge the ends of the earth," establishing a righteous kingdom that "will have no end" ([Luke 1:33](/luke/1-33 "Luke 1:33 - Christ's Eternal Kingdom")). Thus, Hannah's ancient prayer serves as a powerful, Spirit-inspired overture to the grand symphony of redemption, with Christ as its triumphant crescendo, embodying the full strength, exalted horn, and eternal reign promised by God.

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

Psalms 2:9

Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.

Psalms 89:24

But my faithfulness and my mercy [shall be] with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.

Exodus 15:6

Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.

Psalms 18:13

The LORD also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest gave his voice; hail [stones] and coals of fire.

Psalms 18:14

Yea, he sent out his arrows, and scattered them; and he shot out lightnings, and discomfited them.

Psalms 96:13

Before the LORD: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.

Psalms 20:6

¶ Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.