1 Samuel 2:10
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.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יֵחַ֣תּוּ
shall be broken to pieces
H2865
יֵחַ֣תּוּ
shall be broken to pieces
Strong's:
H2865
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear
מְרִיבָ֗ו
The adversaries
H7378
מְרִיבָ֗ו
The adversaries
Strong's:
H7378
Word #:
3 of 16
properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend
עָלָו֙
H5921
עָלָו֙
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 16
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם
out of heaven
H8064
בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם
out of heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
5 of 16
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
shall he thunder
H7481
יַרְעֵ֔ם
shall he thunder
Strong's:
H7481
Word #:
6 of 16
to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
7 of 16
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יָדִ֣ין
shall judge
H1777
יָדִ֣ין
shall judge
Strong's:
H1777
Word #:
8 of 16
to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)
אַפְסֵי
the ends
H657
אַפְסֵי
the ends
Strong's:
H657
Word #:
9 of 16
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
וְיִתֶּן
and he shall give
H5414
וְיִתֶּן
and he shall give
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
11 of 16
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
עֹ֣ז
strength
H5797
עֹ֣ז
strength
Strong's:
H5797
Word #:
12 of 16
strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)
וְיָרֵ֖ם
and exalt
H7311
וְיָרֵ֖ם
and exalt
Strong's:
H7311
Word #:
14 of 16
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Psalms 2:9Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel.Psalms 89:24But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted.Psalms 96:13Before 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 20:6Now know I that the LORD saveth his anointed; he will hear him from his holy heaven with the saving strength of his right hand.Exodus 15:6Thy right hand, O LORD, is become glorious in power: thy right hand, O LORD, hath dashed in pieces the enemy.Psalms 98:9Before the LORD; for he cometh to judge the earth: with righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity.1 Samuel 7:10And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel: but the LORD thundered with a great thunder on that day upon the Philistines, and discomfited them; and they were smitten before Israel.Psalms 21:1The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!Psalms 2:6Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.Psalms 2:2The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying,
Historical Context
This is the first biblical use of 'messiah' (anointed one) for a future king. Hannah's song becomes foundational for messianic expectation, developed through the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) and prophetic oracles. Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) consciously echoes Hannah's themes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Hannah's personal prayer lead to prophetic revelation about Christ?
- What connections do you see between individual faithfulness and participation in God's cosmic purposes?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The climax of Hannah's song introduces stunning prophetic revelation. God's adversaries will be shattered and judged with cosmic thunder. But the astonishing elements are the final lines: God will give strength to 'his king' and exalt the 'horn of his anointed' (meshiach, messiah). Israel has no king when Hannah sings; the monarchy will begin through her own son Samuel! Hannah prophesies the Davidic kingdom before its existence and, beyond David, the Messiah whose horn (power, authority) God will exalt eternally. Personal testimony has become messianic prophecy.