1 Samuel 2:10

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֵחַ֣תּוּ

H2865

shall be broken to pieces

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

מְרִיבָ֗ו

H7378

The adversaries

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

עָלָו֙

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם

H8064

out of heaven

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יַרְעֵ֔ם

H7481

shall he thunder

to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)

יְהוָ֖ה

H3068

of the LORD

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יָדִ֣ין

H1777

shall judge

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

אַפְסֵי

H657

the ends

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

#10

אָ֑רֶץ

H776

of the earth

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#11

וְיִתֶּן

H5414

and he shall give

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#12

עֹ֣ז

H5797

strength

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

#13

לְמַלְכּ֔וֹ

H4428

unto his king

a king

#14

וְיָרֵ֖ם

H7311

and exalt

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

#15

קֶ֥רֶן

H7161

the horn

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

#16

מְשִׁיחֽוֹ׃

H4899

of his anointed

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of 1 Samuel.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of 1 Samuel Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Samuel chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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