King James Version

What Does 1 Samuel 2:10 Mean?

1 Samuel 2:10 in the King James Version says “The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge th... — study this verse from 1 Samuel chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

1 Samuel 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

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.

9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

10

The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.

11

And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.

12

Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The climax of Hannah's song introduces stunning prophetic revelation. God's adversaries will be shattered and judged with cosmic thunder. But the astonishing elements are the final lines: God will give strength to 'his king' and exalt the 'horn of his anointed' (meshiach, messiah). Israel has no king when Hannah sings; the monarchy will begin through her own son Samuel! Hannah prophesies the Davidic kingdom before its existence and, beyond David, the Messiah whose horn (power, authority) God will exalt eternally. Personal testimony has become messianic prophecy.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This is the first biblical use of 'messiah' (anointed one) for a future king. Hannah's song becomes foundational for messianic expectation, developed through the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7) and prophetic oracles. Mary's Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55) consciously echoes Hannah's themes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Hannah's personal prayer lead to prophetic revelation about Christ?
  2. What connections do you see between individual faithfulness and participation in God's cosmic purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
יְהוָ֖ה1 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יֵחַ֣תּוּ2 of 16

shall be broken to pieces

H2865

properly, to prostrate; hence, to break down, either (literally) by violence, or (figuratively) by confusion and fear

מְרִיבָ֗ו3 of 16

The adversaries

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

עָלָו֙4 of 16
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בַּשָּׁמַ֣יִם5 of 16

out of heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

יַרְעֵ֔ם6 of 16

shall he thunder

H7481

to tumble, i.e., be violently agitated; specifically, to crash (of thunder); figuratively, to irritate (with anger)

יְהוָ֖ה7 of 16

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

יָדִ֣ין8 of 16

shall judge

H1777

to rule; by implication to judge (as umpire); also to strive (as at law)

אַפְסֵי9 of 16

the ends

H657

cessation, i.e., an end (especially of the earth); often used adverb, no further; also the ankle (in the dual), as being the extremity of the leg or f

אָ֑רֶץ10 of 16

of the earth

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

וְיִתֶּן11 of 16

and he shall give

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

עֹ֣ז12 of 16

strength

H5797

strength in various applications (force, security, majesty, praise)

לְמַלְכּ֔וֹ13 of 16

unto his king

H4428

a king

וְיָרֵ֖ם14 of 16

and exalt

H7311

to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

קֶ֥רֶן15 of 16

the horn

H7161

a horn (as projecting); by implication, a flask, cornet; by resemblance. an elephant's tooth (i.e., ivory), a corner (of the altar), a peak (of a moun

מְשִׁיחֽוֹ׃16 of 16

of his anointed

H4899

anointed; usually a consecrated person (as a king, priest, or saint); specifically, the messiah


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Samuel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Samuel 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Samuel 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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