1 Samuel 2:1-10

1 Samuel 2:1-2 Samuel : . Song of Hannah.— This poem is quite unsuited to Hannah’ s circumstances; its theology is too advanced for primitive times ( 1 Samuel 2:2; 1 Samuel 2:6; 1 Samuel 2:8), and the reference to the “ king” ( 1 Samuel 2:10) either implies an actual king and indicates the period of the Monarchy, or is Messianic, i.e. connected with the hope of an ideal king, and implies a post-exilic date. The natural occasion of the poem would be a victory which delivered Israel from distress and danger. The ascription to Hannah is due to 1 Samuel 2:5 b, “ the barren hath borne seven.”

The Song praises Yahweh for help given to Israel, whose horn is exalted— God has given him power and glory; his mouth is enlarged— he can speak big words against his enemies ( cf. Psalms 35:21). Yahweh is unique, a firm strong refuge, the Rock of Israel. His impartial justice humiliates the proud and exalts the lowly; He protects His own people and punishes the wicked.

1 Samuel 2:3 . by him actions are weighed: better than RVm “ though actions be not weighed” ; the difference in the Heb. is very slight.

1 Samuel 2:5 . have ceased: i.e. to hunger; better, by a slight alteration of the text, “ have ceased to labour.”

1 Samuel 2:6 . maketh alive: perhaps literally referring to resuscitation or resurrection; if so, an indication of late post-exilic date ( Isaiah 26:19 *, Daniel 12:2 *); it may, however, mean “ keepeth alive.”— grave: rather Sheol (see Isaiah 14:9-Ezra : *).

1 Samuel 2:10 . anointed: Mâ shiaḥ? , “ Messiah,” originally a title of the kings of Israel.

1 Samuel 2:11 . Originally the immediate sequel of 1 Samuel 1:28. Read instead of the last sentence of 1 Samuel 1:28 and the first of 1 Samuel 2:11, “ And she left him there before Yahweh and went to Ramah to her house,” partly on the authority of LXX.