1 Samuel 2:7

Authorized King James Version

The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#2
מוֹרִ֣ישׁ
maketh poor
to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit; also to expel, to impoverish
#3
וּמַֽעֲשִׁ֑יר
and maketh rich
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
#4
מַשְׁפִּ֖יל
he bringeth low
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
#5
אַף
and
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#6
מְרוֹמֵֽם׃
lifteth up
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of 1 Samuel, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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