1 Samuel 2:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Samuel 2:6
6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
Chapter Context
1 Samuel 2 is a biographical narrative chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, salvation. Written during the transition to monarchy (c. 1050-1010 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Israel transitioned from tribal confederacy to monarchy while facing Philistine military pressure.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-36: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Samuel and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Samuel 2:6
6 The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
Analysis
Hannah's theology reaches cosmic proportions. God's sovereignty extends to life and death, the grave (Sheol) and resurrection. The parallelism 'killeth/maketh alive' and 'bringeth down/bringeth up' affirms total divine control over human destiny. This early statement of resurrection hope is remarkable, anticipating fuller revelation. Hannah proclaims not merely that God permits death but that He actively governs it for His purposes. Such absolute sovereignty provides comfort when facing mortality and hope when confronting death.
Historical Context
Sheol in early Israelite thought was the realm of the dead, a shadowy existence awaiting all. References to God 'bringing up' from Sheol are rare in early texts, making Hannah's statement theologically significant as early resurrection hope (cf. 1 Kings 17:22; 2 Kings 4:35).
Reflection
- How does God's sovereignty over death shape your approach to mortality?
- What comfort do you find in the God who can 'bring up' from the grave?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Samuel 20:3
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 32:39, 2 Kings 5:7, Job 5:18, Psalms 116:3, Isaiah 26:19, Matthew 12:40