1 Samuel 2 8

1 Samuel 2:8 kjv

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and he hath set the world upon them.

1 Samuel 2:8 nkjv

He raises the poor from the dust And lifts the beggar from the ash heap, To set them among princes And make them inherit the throne of glory. "For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, And He has set the world upon them.

1 Samuel 2:8 niv

He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap; he seats them with princes and has them inherit a throne of honor. "For the foundations of the earth are the LORD's; on them he has set the world.

1 Samuel 2:8 esv

He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap to make them sit with princes and inherit a seat of honor. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the world.

1 Samuel 2:8 nlt

He lifts the poor from the dust
and the needy from the garbage dump.
He sets them among princes,
placing them in seats of honor.
For all the earth is the LORD's,
and he has set the world in order.

1 Samuel 2 verses

1 Samuel 2 8 Meaning

First Samuel chapter 2, verse 8 declares God's unique power and justice, particularly His ability to reverse human fortunes. He exalts the humble and needy from the lowest societal strata, lifting them to positions of honor, authority, and inheritance alongside princes. The verse firmly grounds this seemingly paradoxical act in God's ultimate cosmic sovereignty: the foundations of the entire world belong to the LORD, signifying His absolute control over creation and, by extension, all human affairs and destinies. It is a profound statement of divine intervention, demonstrating that status and power are not fixed by human circumstances but are subject to God's sovereign will and righteous purpose.

1 Samuel 2 8 Context

1 Samuel 2:8 is part of Hannah's triumphant prayer, or "song of thanksgiving," offered after she has dedicated her son Samuel to the LORD in fulfillment of her vow. This song (1 Sam 2:1-10) is a pivotal theological statement in the book of Samuel, setting the stage for subsequent events. Hannah, once barren and despised, had experienced God's radical intervention in her life, reversing her shame into joy through the birth of Samuel. Her prayer extrapolates this personal experience into universal theological principles.

The immediate literary context establishes a contrast between human pride, strength, and self-sufficiency (represented by Peninnah, Elkanah's other wife, and later by Eli's wicked sons and King Saul) versus reliance on God, humility, and faith (exemplified by Hannah and later by Samuel and David). The song foreshadows God's dethronement of corrupt human power (like Eli's household) and the raising up of a righteous, God-anointed leader (like David), establishing a kingdom based on justice rather than human strength. Historically, it is set just before the monarchy is fully established in Israel, positioning God's sovereign control as the foundational principle for any future kingdom or leadership structure. The verse's polemic indirectly challenges the contemporary pagan belief that human fortunes are determined by capricious deities or by one's birth status; instead, it asserts that the One true God of Israel holds ultimate authority over life, death, and destiny.

1 Samuel 2 8 Word analysis

• He raises up (מֵקִים, meqim): From the verb qum, "to rise," in the causative stem (Hiphil participle). This denotes an active, deliberate, and powerful action by God to cause someone to stand up or be lifted. It highlights divine initiative.
• the poor (דַּל, dal): Signifies one who is low, weak, small, or insignificant. This can refer not just to economic poverty but also to social marginalization, helplessness, and a lack of power or influence.
• from the dust (מֵאֵפֶר, me'aphar): "Dust" (aphar) represents the lowest possible human state, utter degradation, humiliation, and mortality (referencing Gen 3:19). It signifies extreme lowliness and vulnerability.
• he lifts (יָרִים, yarim): From rum, "to be high," also in the causative Hiphil imperfect. This word parallels "raises up" and emphasizes active elevation, making someone exalted or prominent.
• the needy (אֶבְיוֹן, evyon): A specific type of poor person, one who is severely destitute and in want, dependent on others for sustenance or help. Often implies a humble, vulnerable person whose rights may be easily trampled.
• from the ash heap (מֵאַשְׁפֹּת, me'ashpot): An "ash heap" was literally a place where refuse, dung, and ashes were dumped outside a city or home. It symbolizes extreme destitution, disgrace, and being an outcast (e.g., Job sitting on an ash heap). This imagery underscores absolute abasement.
• to make them sit (לְהוֹשִׁיב, lehoshib): From yashab, "to sit," in the causative Hiphil infinitive. God not only lifts them but establishes them in a new, dignified position of permanence and authority.
• with princes (עִם־נְדִיבִים, im nedivim): "Princes" (nedivim) refers to nobles, high-ranking officials, or those of noble birth who possess status and generosity. This phrase emphasizes the radical change in social standing and association, from outcast to peer of the elite.
• and inherit (וַיַּנְחֵל, vayanchēl): From nachal, "to inherit, possess." This denotes a bestowal of something lasting and permanent, a guaranteed possession or rightful share. It implies stability and legitimacy in their new high position.
• a throne of honor (כִּסֵּא כָבוֹד, kisse' kavod): Literally "a seat of glory/weight/reputation." A "throne" signifies power, authority, and kingship. "Honor" (kavod) implies renown, dignity, and a position of high esteem. This represents ultimate social and political elevation.

Words-group analysis:

• "He raises up the poor from the dust; he lifts the needy from the ash heap": This powerful parallelism highlights God's action of bringing extreme elevation from extreme lowliness. The "dust" and "ash heap" are potent metaphors for the lowest, most contemptible human condition. It underscores God's compassion and willingness to intervene in the lives of the downtrodden.
• "to make them sit with princes and inherit a throne of honor": This phrase describes the astonishing outcome of God's action. It speaks of a complete reversal of status, from destitution and marginalization to dignity, authority, and a secure, exalted position among the powerful. This is not mere improvement, but radical transformation and elevation.
• "For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's, and on them he has set the world": The conjunction "For" (ki) introduces the theological basis and justification for God's ability to enact such reversals. The "pillars of the earth" (mutzqe eretz) are the deep, stable foundations of the earth, a metaphor for the very structure and order of creation. Asserting these are "the LORD's" signifies God's ultimate sovereignty and ownership over the entire cosmos and its established order. He created it, He sustains it, and therefore He controls every aspect within it, including human destinies and societal structures. This clause establishes God's omnipotent control, validating His ability to subvert and establish human systems at will.

1 Samuel 2 8 Bonus section

Hannah's prayer is recognized by many scholars as a significant theological composition, serving as a 'keynote' or 'hermeneutical lens' through which to interpret the subsequent narrative of Samuel and the Israelite monarchy. Its themes of God bringing down the mighty and exalting the humble foreshadow the divine judgment on Eli's house, the rise and fall of Saul, and the eventual selection and establishment of David as king—all instances of God orchestrating radical reversals.

The "pillars of the earth" imagery connects to ancient Near Eastern cosmologies, which often envisioned the earth resting on literal pillars or foundations. However, Hannah's assertion, "For the pillars of the earth are the LORD's," directly challenges the polytheistic views by attributing absolute cosmic control to Yahweh alone, affirming that He is the sole, ultimate authority over all created order, not a localized or limited deity. This establishes a profound theological foundation for God's absolute moral and practical sovereignty in human affairs and history. This theological depth highlights that God's power is not just for grand, dramatic events, but is continuously exercised in upholding and ordering the very fabric of existence, allowing Him to intervene effectively in the minute details of human lives.

1 Samuel 2 8 Commentary

Hannah's song is a prophetic anthem celebrating God's absolute sovereignty, which she experienced personally and projects onto the cosmic and national scale. Verse 8, in particular, encapsulates the core biblical principle of divine reversal. God is portrayed not merely as an observer but as an active agent who disrupts human hierarchies and expectations. The "poor from the dust" and "needy from the ash heap" symbolize the most vulnerable, disgraced, and utterly marginalized individuals, those with no human hope of advancement. Yet, it is precisely these whom God exalts to the highest seats of power and prestige—sitting with princes, inheriting a throne.

This demonstrates God's righteousness, justice, and faithfulness to the covenant where He elevates the humble and brings down the proud. This truth provides immense comfort to the oppressed and serves as a profound warning to the self-sufficient and haughty. The foundation of this radical power is God's universal dominion. The "pillars of the earth" represent the cosmic structure and fundamental order of creation; God not only created them but sustains them and, by extension, governs all human history. Thus, the raising of the lowly is not arbitrary but flows from God's established purpose for His creation and His active involvement in the lives of His people. This verse points to Samuel's anointing, David's ascent from shepherd to king, and ultimately to Jesus Christ, who came in humble form yet inherited an eternal throne, echoing Hannah's powerful declaration.

Examples of God's power in action:

• Joseph, from prison to prime minister of Egypt.
• David, from shepherd boy to king of Israel.
• Daniel, from exile to trusted advisor of kings.
• Esther, an orphan girl, became Queen and saved her people.