What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 2:7? The LORD • The verse opens by naming the One who stands behind every human circumstance. Hannah’s song already reminded us, “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6). • Scripture consistently affirms that “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Nothing—abundance or lack—lies outside His rule (Daniel 4:34-35; James 1:17). • Job acknowledged this sovereignty even in loss: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away” (Job 1:21). sends poverty • Poverty is not random; God may allow financial scarcity to cultivate dependence on Him (Deuteronomy 8:2-3). • Examples: – Elijah’s widow of Zarephath, whose handful of flour taught daily trust (1 Kings 17:8-16). – The Macedonian churches, “in severe trial, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2). • Proverbs 22:2 notes, “Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all,” underscoring that His purposes, not human merit, set our conditions. and wealth • Wealth, too, is a gift: “Remember that it is He who gives you the power to gain wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18). • Examples: – Abraham’s flocks (Genesis 13:2). – Job’s restoration, “The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former” (Job 42:12). • Wealth carries stewardship obligations (1 Timothy 6:17-19); yet its presence reveals God’s generosity (Proverbs 10:22). He humbles • God actively brings down the proud. Nebuchadnezzar learned that “those who walk in pride He is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37). • Jesus taught, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled” (Luke 14:11). • Humbling seasons—illness, failure, loss—strip away self-reliance so we can “receive grace” (James 4:6). and He exalts • The same hand that lowers also lifts. “Promotion does not come from the east or the west… God is the Judge: He brings one down, He exalts another” (Psalm 75:6-7). • Illustrations: – Joseph, sold as a slave, raised to Egypt’s throne (Genesis 41:41-44). – David, shepherd turned king (2 Samuel 7:8). – Mary rejoiced, “He has brought down rulers… but has exalted the humble” (Luke 1:52). • Believers are assured, “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6). summary God alone determines our seasons of lack and abundance, lowering and lifting. Whether He assigns poverty or wealth, humbling or exaltation, His purposes are always wise, righteous, and ultimately redemptive. Our calling is steady trust, humble obedience, and faithful stewardship, confident that the same Lord who sends each circumstance is working all things for His glory and our good. |
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