1 Samuel 2:7
The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
Original Language Analysis
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
The LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
1 of 6
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
מוֹרִ֣ישׁ
maketh poor
H3423
מוֹרִ֣ישׁ
maketh poor
Strong's:
H3423
Word #:
2 of 6
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
וּמַֽעֲשִׁ֑יר
and maketh rich
H6238
וּמַֽעֲשִׁ֑יר
and maketh rich
Strong's:
H6238
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to accumulate; chiefly (specifically) to grow (causatively, make) rich
מַשְׁפִּ֖יל
he bringeth low
H8213
מַשְׁפִּ֖יל
he bringeth low
Strong's:
H8213
Word #:
4 of 6
to depress or sink (especially figuratively, to humiliate, intransitive or transitive)
Cross References
Psalms 75:7But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.Job 5:11To set up on high those that be low; that those which mourn may be exalted to safety.Job 1:21And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.James 4:10Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.Isaiah 2:12For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low:Psalms 102:10Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern religions often associated wealth with divine favor and poverty with divine displeasure. While this connection appears in Israelite wisdom literature, Hannah's song provides important qualification: God actively determines both conditions according to His purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding God's sovereignty over wealth reshape attitudes toward money?
- What dangers do you see in equating prosperity with divine blessing?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Economic reversals extend God's sovereignty to material prosperity. The LORD 'maketh poor' and 'maketh rich' - human wealth comes not from personal achievement but divine distribution. Similarly, He 'bringeth low' and 'lifteth up' in social status. This theology challenges prosperity gospel distortions that promise wealth to the faithful while explaining poverty as lack of faith. Hannah knows both poverty of soul (barrenness) and richness of blessing (Samuel). Both conditions come from God's sovereign hand working for purposes beyond human comprehension.