1 Samuel 2:2

KJV

[There is] none holy as the LORD: for [there is] none beside thee: neither [is there] any rock like our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

There is none holy {H6918} as the LORD {H3068}: for there is none beside {H1115} thee: neither is there any rock {H6697} like our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"No one is as holy as ADONAI, because there is none to compare with you, no rock like our God.

Berean Standard Bible

There is no one holy like the LORD. Indeed, there is no one besides You! And there is no Rock like our God.

American Standard Version

There is none holy as Jehovah; For there is none besides thee, Neither is there any rock like our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Hannah's prayer in 1 Samuel 2:2 is a profound theological declaration that transcends her personal joy to articulate foundational truths about the Lord's unparalleled character. In this powerful verse, she exalts God's absolute holiness, affirming His unique existence as the sole divine reality, and praises His unwavering steadfastness as an unshakeable foundation. This statement not only celebrates God's intervention in her life but also sets the stage for the unfolding narrative of God's sovereign justice and faithfulness throughout Israel's history.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This powerful declaration is embedded within Hannah's magnificent prayer of thanksgiving and prophecy, recorded in [1 Samuel 2:1-10](/1_samuel/2-10 "1 Samuel 2:1-10 - Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving and Prophecy"). Following the miraculous birth of Samuel, a child she had long desired and faithfully dedicated to the Lord, Hannah's prayer transcends a mere personal expression of gratitude. It serves as a pivotal theological statement, articulating profound truths about God's character and foreshadowing His future acts of sovereignty, justice, and reversal of fortunes. The verse immediately follows Hannah's opening declaration of joy in the Lord and precedes her affirmations of God's power to humble the proud and exalt the lowly ([1 Samuel 2:3-8](/1_samuel/2-3-8 "1 Samuel 2:3-8 - God's Justice and Reversal of Fortunes")), establishing a thematic framework for the entire chapter and indeed, the book of Samuel, where God consistently demonstrates His faithfulness to the humble and His opposition to the arrogant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period of the Judges, leading into the establishment of the monarchy, was marked by spiritual decline and syncretism in Israel, where the worship of Yahweh often coexisted with or was corrupted by the worship of Baal and other Canaanite deities. In this environment, Hannah's emphatic declaration, "There is none beside thee," is a powerful affirmation of strict monotheism, a direct challenge to the prevalent polytheistic worldview. The metaphor of God as a "rock" would have resonated deeply in a land characterized by rugged terrain, where rocks provided shelter, defense, and stable foundations, signifying strength, reliability, and an unshakeable refuge in a tumultuous era. This prayer thus serves as a beacon of true Yahwistic faith amidst widespread apostasy, setting a standard for proper worship and understanding of God's unique identity.
* **Key Themes:** [1 Samuel 2:2](/1_samuel/2-2 "1 Samuel 2:2 - God's Holiness and Steadfastness") encapsulates several core themes that permeate Hannah's prayer and the broader narrative of 1 Samuel. Firstly, it highlights God's **absolute holiness**, emphasizing His transcendent purity and complete separation from all creation and sin, a theme echoed in the angelic cries of "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts" found in [Isaiah 6:3](/isaiah/6-3 "Isaiah 6:3 - Isaiah's Vision of God's Holiness"). Secondly, it underscores God's **uniqueness and exclusivity**, asserting that "there is none beside thee," a foundational tenet of Israelite monotheism that distinguishes Yahweh from all false gods and human constructs. This theme is crucial in a book that will see the rise and fall of human kings, demonstrating that ultimate authority and power reside solely with God. Lastly, the metaphor of God as a **steadfast "rock"** conveys His immutability, faithfulness, and reliability as an unshakeable foundation and secure refuge for His people, a concept frequently found in the Psalms, such as [Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "Psalm 18:2 - The Lord My Rock and Fortress"). These themes collectively establish God's supreme sovereignty and trustworthiness as the bedrock of faith for individuals and the nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Holy (Hebrew, _qâdôwsh'_):** This term, derived from the root meaning "to cut" or "to separate," signifies that which is set apart, distinct, consecrated, or sacred. When applied to God, as in [1 Samuel 2:2](/1_samuel/2-2 "1 Samuel 2:2 - God's Holiness and Steadfastness"), it denotes His absolute moral purity, His transcendent majesty, and His complete otherness from creation. God's holiness is not merely a characteristic but His intrinsic essence, the sum of His perfections that renders Him utterly unique and worthy of ultimate reverence and worship. It implies His separation from all imperfection, sin, and the limitations of human existence.
* **Beside (Hebrew, _biltîy'_):** This negative particle, often used with a prepositional prefix, fundamentally means "not," "except," or "without." In the context of "none beside thee," it emphasizes the absolute exclusivity and singular nature of Yahweh. It asserts that there is no other deity, no rival power, and no comparable being that stands alongside or in competition with the one true God. This word underscores the radical monotheism of Israelite faith, affirming God's unparalleled sovereignty and the futility of any alternative object of worship or trust.
* **Rock (Hebrew, _tsûwr'_):** Beyond its literal meaning of a physical stone or crag, "rock" is a profound and frequently used metaphor for God in the Old Testament. It symbolizes His unyielding strength, His immutability, His steadfastness, and His role as a secure refuge and an unshakeable foundation. In a land prone to instability and conflict, a rock provided shelter, defense, and a firm footing. Thus, calling God "our Rock" assures believers of His enduring faithfulness, His unwavering protection, and His reliable nature as the ultimate source of security and stability in a changing world.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[There is] none holy as the LORD":** This opening declaration establishes God's unparalleled moral and ontological distinction. It asserts that no created being, no human king, no pagan deity, and no concept of purity or sacredness can compare to the absolute, inherent holiness of Yahweh (H3068). His holiness is not relative or acquired; it is His very nature, setting Him apart as uniquely divine and supremely worthy of worship. This statement functions as a foundational truth, emphasizing God's transcendence and His complete separation from all that is common or defiled.
* **"for [there is] none beside thee":** This clause reinforces the preceding statement by affirming God's absolute uniqueness and singular existence. It is a powerful affirmation of monotheism, declaring that Yahweh is the one and only true God. There are no other gods (H430), no other powers, and no other beings that can stand alongside Him or rival His authority and being. This phrase directly challenges any form of polytheism or idolatry, asserting God's exclusive claim to divinity and His supreme sovereignty over all creation. It underscores His incomparability and the futility of seeking help or refuge elsewhere.
* **"neither [is there] any rock like our God":** This final clause employs a robust metaphor to describe God's steadfastness and reliability. As a "rock" (H6697) provides stability, strength, and refuge in a physical sense, so God serves as an unshakeable foundation, an enduring source of strength, and an impregnable fortress for His people. This imagery assures believers of His unchanging character, His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and His constant protection. It implies that in a world of shifting sands and fleeting powers, God alone remains eternally firm and dependable, offering ultimate security and a sure refuge to those who trust in Him.

#### Literary Devices
[1 Samuel 2:2](/1_samuel/2-2 "1 Samuel 2:2 - Hannah's Declaration of God's Uniqueness") is rich in literary artistry, primarily employing **Parallelism** and **Metaphor**. The verse exhibits a clear synonymous parallelism, where the second and third clauses reiterate and amplify the truth of the first. "None holy as the LORD" is reinforced by "none beside thee," both asserting God's unparalleled nature. This is further strengthened by the **Metaphor** of "rock," which vividly portrays God's steadfastness and reliability, echoing the uniqueness established by "none holy" and "none beside thee." The use of **Hyperbole** or **Exclusivity** ("none holy," "none beside thee," "no rock like") emphasizes the absolute and incomparable nature of God, leaving no room for rivals or equals. The cumulative effect is a powerful, emphatic declaration of God's supreme sovereignty, unique identity, and unwavering character, designed to inspire awe and complete trust.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Hannah's declaration in [1 Samuel 2:2](/1_samuel/2-2 "1 Samuel 2:2 - God's Holiness and Steadfastness") lays a foundational theological truth that resonates throughout the entire biblical narrative: God's absolute uniqueness and His unwavering character. This verse serves as a powerful assertion of monotheism, distinguishing Yahweh from all other deities and human constructs, and establishing His holiness as the very essence of His being. It underscores that true security, strength, and refuge are found solely in Him, not in human power, military might, or any created thing. This understanding of God's nature is crucial for comprehending His justice, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His ultimate sovereignty over all history, themes that are central to the unfolding drama of Israel's kingship and the coming of the Messiah.

* [Deuteronomy 32:4](/deuteronomy/32-4 "Deuteronomy 32:4 - God as the Rock, Perfect in His Work")
* [Psalm 18:31](/psalm/18-31 "Psalm 18:31 - Who is a rock except our God?")
* [Isaiah 45:5](/isaiah/45-5 "Isaiah 45:5 - I am the LORD, and there is no other")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[1 Samuel 2:2](/1_samuel/2-2 "1 Samuel 2:2 - God's Holiness and Steadfastness") invites believers to cultivate a profound sense of awe and reverence for God. Understanding His absolute holiness should not only inspire worship but also challenge us to pursue lives of purity and separation from sin, reflecting His character in our daily walk. Recognizing that "there is none beside thee" calls us to a radical monotheism in our hearts, ensuring that our ultimate trust, hope, and allegiance are placed solely in Him, not in fleeting worldly successes, human wisdom, or material possessions. When we embrace God as "our Rock," we find an unshakeable foundation for our lives, a source of unwavering strength in weakness, and a secure refuge in times of trouble. This verse encourages us to relinquish our anxieties and fears, placing our complete reliance on His unchanging nature and His steadfast faithfulness, knowing that He is eternally dependable and sovereign over all circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding God's absolute holiness impact your view of worship and daily living?**
* **In what areas of your life might you be tempted to place trust in "something beside" God, and how can you reorient your reliance solely on Him?**
* **How does the metaphor of God as "our Rock" provide comfort and assurance in your current challenges or uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**Why is God referred to as a "rock" in the Bible?**

Answer: The metaphor of God as a "rock" (Hebrew: _tsûwr_) is a rich and recurring image throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Psalms and prophetic books. It signifies several profound aspects of God's character and relationship with His people. Firstly, a rock represents **unyielding strength and stability**; unlike shifting sands or crumbling structures, a rock endures. This speaks to God's immutability and His unchanging nature, assuring believers that His character, promises, and love are steadfast. Secondly, a rock provides **refuge and shelter** in a harsh environment, offering protection from elements or enemies. This illustrates God's role as a secure fortress and a safe haven for those who trust in Him, as seen in [Psalm 18:2](/psalm/18-2 "The Lord My Rock and Fortress"). Thirdly, a rock can serve as a **firm foundation**, upon which structures are built. This portrays God as the ultimate basis for faith, truth, and life, the unshakeable ground upon which His people stand. Finally, it implies **faithfulness and reliability**, meaning God is utterly dependable and will never fail those who rely on Him. Hannah's use of this metaphor in [1 Samuel 2:2](/1_samuel/2-2 "Hannah's Declaration of God's Uniqueness") powerfully conveys her deep trust in God's unwavering character amidst the uncertainties of her life and the spiritual instability of her nation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Samuel 2:2](/1_samuel/2-2 "1 Samuel 2:2 - Hannah's Declaration of God's Uniqueness") proclaims the holiness and unique steadfastness of Yahweh, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment is found in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the very embodiment of God's holiness, the "Holy One of God" ([Mark 1:24](/mark/1-24 "Mark 1:24 - Jesus, the Holy One of God")), who perfectly reflects the Father's purity and moral perfection. He is "none beside" God, being of the same essence as the Father, the "exact imprint of his nature" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")). Furthermore, Jesus is the ultimate "Rock" upon whom the church is built ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")), the cornerstone rejected by builders but chosen by God ([1 Peter 2:7](/1_peter/2-7 "1 Peter 2:7 - Christ the Cornerstone")). He is the unshakeable foundation for our faith and salvation, providing eternal security and refuge for all who believe. In Christ, the abstract truths of God's holiness, uniqueness, and steadfastness become tangible and accessible, demonstrating that the God Hannah praised is fully revealed in the Son, who offers a steadfast hope and an eternal dwelling place for all who come to Him ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus the Way, Truth, and Life")).

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

2 Samuel 22:32

For who [is] God, save the LORD? and who [is] a rock, save our God?

Isaiah 44:6

Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I [am] the first, and I [am] the last; and beside me [there is] no God.

Psalms 86:8

¶ Among the gods [there is] none like unto thee, O Lord; neither [are there any works] like unto thy works.

Psalms 89:8

O LORD God of hosts, who [is] a strong LORD like unto thee? or to thy faithfulness round about thee?

Exodus 15:11

Who [is] like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who [is] like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful [in] praises, doing wonders?

1 Peter 1:16

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.

Jeremiah 10:6

Forasmuch as [there is] none like unto thee, O LORD; thou [art] great, and thy name [is] great in might.