1 Samuel 2:8
1 Samuel 2:8 in Multiple Translations
He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.
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.
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, He lifteth up the needy from the dunghill, To make them sit with princes, And inherit the throne of glory: For the pillars of the earth are Jehovah’s, And he hath set the world upon them.
Lifting the poor out of the dust, and him who is in need out of the lowest place, to give them their place among rulers, and for their heritage the seat of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord's and he has made them the base of the world.
He helps the poor up from the dust; he raises the lowborn from the trash pile and seats them with the upper class in places of honor. For the foundations of the earth belong to the Lord, and he has placed the world on them.
He raiseth vp ye poore out of the dust, and lifteth vp the begger from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherite the seate of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lordes, and he hath set the world vpon them.
He raiseth from the dust the poor, From a dunghill He lifteth up the needy, To cause [them] to sit with nobles, Yea, a throne of honour He doth cause them to inherit, For to Jehovah [are] the fixtures of earth, And He setteth on them the habitable world.
He raises up the poor out of the dust. He lifts up the needy from the dunghill to make them sit with princes and inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the LORD’s. He has set the world on them.
He raiseth the poor out of the dust, and lifteth 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.
He raiseth up the needy from the dust, and lifteth up the poor from the dunghill: that he may sit with princes, and hold the throne of glory. For the poles of the earth are the Lord’s, and upon them he hath set the world.
Sometimes you lift poor people up so that they are no longer despondent, sitting in the dust, or sitting on heaps of ashes; you cause them to sit next to princes; you cause them to sit on chairs/thrones where people who are highly honored sit. Yahweh, you are the one who laid the foundations of the earth, and you have set the whole world on those foundations.
Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Samuel 2:8
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
1 Samuel 2:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מֵקִ֨ים
מֵ/עָפָ֜ר
דָּ֗ל
מֵֽ/אַשְׁפֹּת֙
יָרִ֣ים
אֶבְי֔וֹן
לְ/הוֹשִׁיב֙
עִם
נְדִיבִ֔ים
וְ/כִסֵּ֥א
כָב֖וֹד
יַנְחִלֵ֑/ם
כִּ֤י
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
מְצֻ֣קֵי
אֶ֔רֶץ
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׁת
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
תֵּבֵֽל
מֵקִ֨ים
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Hiphil
מֵ/עָפָ֜ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
Prep | N-ms
דָּ֗ל
dal
H1800
poor
Adj
מֵֽ/אַשְׁפֹּת֙
ʼashpôth
H830
refuse
Prep | N-ms
יָרִ֣ים
rûwm
H7311
to exalt
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
אֶבְי֔וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
needy
Adj
לְ/הוֹשִׁיב֙
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
עִם
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep
נְדִיבִ֔ים
nâdîyb
H5081
noble
Adj
וְ/כִסֵּ֥א
kiççêʼ
H3678
throne
Conj | N-ms
כָב֖וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
glory
N-cs
יַנְחִלֵ֑/ם
nâchal
H5157
to inherit
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
Prep | N-proper
מְצֻ֣קֵי
mâtsûwq
H4690
pillar
N-mp
אֶ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
to set
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
תֵּבֵֽל
têbêl
H8398
world
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — 1 Samuel 2:8
מֵקִ֨ים
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Hiphil
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
מֵ/עָפָ֜ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
Prep | N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
דָּ֗ל
dal
H1800
"poor"
Adj
The Hebrew word for someone who is poor or weak, often describing those in need of help or assistance. In the book of Proverbs, it warns against oppressing the poor, and in Psalm 35:10, it describes the needy and the poor. The word is also used in Isaiah 41:17.
Definition: low, poor, weak, thin, one who is low
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: lean, needy, poor (man), weaker. See also: Exodus 23:3; Proverbs 19:17; Psalms 41:2.
מֵֽ/אַשְׁפֹּת֙
ʼashpôth
H830
"refuse"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a pile of trash or garbage, often translated as a dung hill. It appears in the Bible as a place where worthless things are thrown away. In some cases, it symbolizes a location of shame or disgust.
Definition: ash heap, refuse heap, dung-hill
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: dung (hill). See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Nehemiah 3:14; Psalms 113:7.
יָרִ֣ים
rûwm
H7311
"to exalt"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to lift something or someone up, like a parent lifting a child, or to exalt oneself in pride. In the Bible, it's used to describe God lifting up the humble and bringing down the proud.
Definition: 1) to rise, rise up, be high, be lofty, be exalted 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be high, be set on high 1a2) to be raised, be uplifted, be exalted 1a3) to be lifted, rise 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to raise or rear (children), cause to grow up 1b2) to lift up, raise, exalt 1b3) to exalt, extol 1c) (Polal) to be lifted up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to raise, lift, lift up, take up, set up, erect, exalt, set on high 1d2) to lift up (and take away), remove 1d3) to lift off and present, contribute, offer, contribute 1e) (Hophal) to be taken off, be abolished 1f) (Hithpolel) to exalt oneself, magnify oneself Aramaic equivalent: rum (רוּם "to rise" H7313)
Usage: Occurs in 184 OT verses. KJV: bring up, exalt (self), extol, give, go up, haughty, heave (up), (be, lift up on, make on, set up on, too) high(-er, one), hold up, levy, lift(-er) up, (be) lofty, ([idiom] a-) loud, mount up, offer (up), [phrase] presumptuously, (be) promote(-ion), proud, set up, tall(-er), take (away, off, up), breed worms. See also: Genesis 7:17; Psalms 46:11; Psalms 3:4.
אֶבְי֔וֹן
ʼebyôwn
H34
"needy"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes someone who is needy or poor, often oppressed and in need of help from God. It appears in the Bible to describe those who are vulnerable and in need of deliverance. In the KJV, it is translated as beggar, needy, or poor man.
Definition: 1) in want, needy, chiefly poor, needy person 2) subject to oppression and abuse 3) needing help, deliverance from trouble, especially as delivered by God 4) general reference to lowest class
Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: beggar, needy, poor (man). See also: Exodus 23:6; Psalms 107:41; Psalms 9:19.
לְ/הוֹשִׁיב֙
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
עִם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
נְדִיבִ֔ים
nâdîyb
H5081
"noble"
Adj
Noble or generous, describing someone of high rank or character, like a prince, or a person with a willing and liberal heart, as seen in the stories of David and Solomon.
Definition: : noble n m 1) noble one adj 2) inclined, willing, noble, generous 1a) incited, inclined, willing 1b) noble, princely (in rank) 1c) noble (in mind and character)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: free, liberal (things), noble, prince, willing (hearted). See also: Exodus 35:5; Psalms 113:8; Psalms 47:10.
וְ/כִסֵּ֥א
kiççêʼ
H3678
"throne"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a throne, symbolizing a seat of power or authority, often canopied or covered. It is used to describe the throne of God or a king, representing royal dignity and power.
Definition: 1) seat (of honour), throne, seat, stool 1a) seat (of honour), throne 1b) royal dignity, authority, power (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: seat, stool, throne. See also: Genesis 41:40; 2 Chronicles 23:20; Psalms 9:5.
כָב֖וֹד
kâbôwd
H3519
"glory"
N-cs
Glory refers to great honor or splendor, often used to describe God's majesty, as in Psalm 138:5 where David praises God's glorious name. It can also refer to wealth or abundance, like in Genesis 31:1 where Jacob's wealth is described.
Definition: 1) glory, honour, glorious, abundance 1a) abundance, riches 1b) honour, splendour, glory 1c) honour, dignity 1d) honour, reputation 1e) honour, reverence, glory 1f) glory
Usage: Occurs in 189 OT verses. KJV: glorious(-ly), glory, honour(-able). See also: Genesis 31:1; Psalms 113:4; Psalms 3:4.
יַנְחִלֵ֑/ם
nâchal
H5157
"to inherit"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This Hebrew verb means to inherit or to take possession of something, as seen in the story of the Israelites inheriting the Promised Land in Joshua 1:6. It can also mean to distribute or divide something among people, like the division of the land in Joshua 13-19. The word is used in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to get as a possession, acquire, inherit, possess 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take possession, inherit 1a2) to have or get as a possession or property (fig.) 1a3) to divide the land for a possession 1a4) to acquire (testimonies) (fig.) 1b) (Piel) to divide for a possession 1c) (Hithpael) to possess oneself of 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to give as a possession 1d2) to cause to inherit, give as an inheritance 1e) (Hophal) to be allotted, be made to possess
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: divide, have (inheritance), take as a heritage, (cause to, give to, make to) inherit, (distribute for, divide (for, for an, by), give for, have, leave for, take (for)) inheritance, (have in, cause to, be made to) possess(-ion). See also: Exodus 23:30; Joshua 17:6; Psalms 69:37.
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לַֽ/יהוָה֙
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
Prep | N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
מְצֻ֣קֵי
mâtsûwq
H4690
"pillar"
N-mp
This word refers to a pillar or column, often made of molten material. It's used in the Bible to describe structures or monuments, like those in the book of Exodus. Pillars supported buildings and were significant.
Definition: molten support, pillar, column
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: pillar, situate. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; 1 Samuel 14:5.
אֶ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
וַ/יָּ֥שֶׁת
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֖ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
תֵּבֵֽל
têbêl
H8398
"world"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for world, it refers to the earth and its inhabitants. In the Bible, it's used to describe the world God created, like in Psalm 24, which says the earth belongs to God.
Definition: world
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: habitable part, world. See also: 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalms 97:4; Psalms 9:9.
Study Notes — 1 Samuel 2:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- 1 Samuel 2:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
- Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
- Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
- Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:8
- Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
- Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:8
Context — Hannah’s Prayer of Thanksgiving
6The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.
8He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.
9He guards the steps of His faithful ones, but the wicked perish in darkness; for by his own strength shall no man prevail. 10Those who oppose the LORD will be shattered. He will thunder from heaven against them. The LORD will judge the ends of the earth and will give power to His king. He will exalt the horn of His anointed.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 113:7–8 | He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the dump to seat them with nobles, with the princes of His people. |
| 2 | Daniel 2:48 | Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon. |
| 3 | James 2:5 | Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him? |
| 4 | Daniel 6:3 | Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 15:17 | And Samuel said, “Although you were once small in your own eyes, have you not become the head of the tribes of Israel? The LORD anointed you king over Israel |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 4:14 | For the youth has come from the prison to the kingship, though he was born poor in his own kingdom. |
| 7 | Revelation 1:6 | who has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 7:8 | Now then, you are to tell My servant David that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: I took you from the pasture, from following the flock, to be the ruler over My people Israel. |
| 9 | Revelation 22:5 | There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun. For the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever. |
| 10 | Revelation 5:10 | You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign upon the earth.” |
1 Samuel 2:8 Summary
This verse tells us that God is the one who lifts up those who are humble and in need, and gives them a new position of honor and authority. He is the one who owns and controls everything, as seen in Psalm 24:1, and He is the one who decides who will be exalted and who will be humble, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:7. This means that we can trust God to take care of us and to give us what we need, and that we should humble ourselves and acknowledge His sovereignty in our lives, as seen in James 4:10. By doing so, we can experience His goodness and provision, as seen in Matthew 6:33.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to 'raise the poor from the dust' in 1 Samuel 2:8?
This phrase means that God lifts up those who are humble and in need, giving them a new position of honor and authority, as seen in Psalm 113:7-8 where He lifts the poor from the dust and seats them with princes.
How does God 'seat them among princes' as mentioned in 1 Samuel 2:8?
God gives the humble and needy a place of honor and influence, similar to how Jesus taught that the last will be first in the kingdom of heaven, as seen in Matthew 19:30 and Matthew 20:16.
What does the phrase 'the foundations of the earth are the LORD's' mean in 1 Samuel 2:8?
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty and ownership over all creation, as also stated in Psalm 24:1, which says 'The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it, the world and all who live in it.'
How does this verse relate to our everyday lives?
This verse reminds us that God is the one who gives and takes away, and that He is sovereign over all aspects of our lives, as seen in Job 1:21, where Job says 'The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.'
Reflection Questions
- How have you seen God lift up the humble and needy in your own life or in the lives of others?
- What are some ways that you can humble yourself and acknowledge God's sovereignty in your life, as seen in 1 Samuel 2:8 and James 4:10?
- How does the truth that 'the foundations of the earth are the LORD's' impact your trust in God's plan and purposes for your life, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some ways that you can 'seat' others in a place of honor and influence, as God does in 1 Samuel 2:8, and as seen in Philippians 2:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on 1 Samuel 2:8
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill,.... This is but a further illustration of what is before expressed.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Samuel 2:8
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
Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
Out of the dust, i.e. out of their low and miserable condition, as this phrase is used, Compare . From the dunghill; from the most sordid place and mean estate. Compare . Dunghill; which the poor are said to embrace, . To make them inherit; not only possess themselves, but transfer them to their posterity, as hath oft happened in the world; or, possess. The throne of glory, i.e. a glorious throne or kingdom. The pillars; either, 1. The foundations of the earth, which God created and upholds, and wherewith he sustains the earth find all its inhabitants, as a house is supported with pillars; and therefore it is not strange if he disposeth of persons and things therein as he pleaseth. Or, 2. The princes or governors of the earth, which are called the corners, or corner-stones, of a land or people, , and are fitly called pillars, because they uphold the world, and keep it from sinking into confusion.
See . And these are here said to be the Lord’ s, by creation and constitution, because he advanceth them to their state, and preserves them in it, ,16, and puts the world, or the kingdoms of the world, upon them, as burdens upon their shoulders: see .
Trapp's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
1 Samuel 2:8 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.Ver. 8. He raiseth up the poor.] See Psalms 75:6. To set them among princes.] As he did Agathocles, Marius, Maximinus, Claudius, who, hiding himself for fear of death in a hole, was pulled out by the heels and made emperor. Michael was condemned to death by the Emperor Leo; but before the execution the emperor died, and Michael was chosen in his stead. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’ s.] He hath hanged it upon nothing; only it hangeth in the midst of the heaven, equally poised with its own weight, and serveth for pillars or foundations to the whole fabric of the universe.
Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
(8) The pillars of the earth.—And the gracious All-Ruler does these things, for He is at once Creator and Upholder of the universe. The words of these Divine songs which treat of cosmogony are such as would be understood in the childhood of peoples. The quiet thinker, however, is tempted to ask whether after 3,000 or 4,000 years, now, with the light of modern science shining round us, we have made much real progress in our knowledge of the genesis and government of the universe. The pillars.—Or columns—Jerome, in the Vulgate, translates this unusual word by “hinges”—cardines terrœ.Gesenius prefers the rendering “foundations.” On the whole, the word used in the English Version, “pillars,” is the best.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
Verse 8. To set them among princes] There have been many cases where, in the course of God's providence, a person has been raised from the lowest and most abject estate to the highest; from the plough to the imperial dignity: from the dungeon to the throne; from the dunghill to nobility. The story of Cincinnatus is well known; so is that of the patriarch Joseph; but there is one not less in point, that of Roushen Akhter, who was brought out of a dungeon, and exalted to the throne of Hindustan. On this circumstance the following elegant couplet was made: - [------Arabic------] "He was a bright star, but now is become a moon, Joseph is taken from prison, and is become a king." There is a play here on Roushen Akhter, which signifies a bright star; and there is an allusion to the history of the patriarch Joseph, because of the similarity of fortune between him and the Mohammedan prince. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's] He is almighty, and upholds all things by the word of his power.
Cambridge Bible on 1 Samuel 2:8
8. out of the dust] “To sit in the dust” (Isaiah 47:1), or “on the dunghill” (Lamentations 4:5) are Oriental figures for a condition of extreme degradation and misery, derived probably from the practice of mourners (Job 2:8): to share the company of princes, and occupy a throne of honour (Job 36:7) are metaphors for advancement and prosperity. Psalms 113:7-9 is copied almost verbatim from these verses. Cp. too Psalms 75:6-7. for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s] The creation and maintenance of the natural framework of the earth by Jehovah are a guarantee for His moral government among men. Cp. Psalms 75:3. The expression “pillars of the earth” (cp. Job 9:6) is a poetical metaphor derived from the construction of a house (see Judges 16:26), and need not imply any theory as to the earth’s shape.
Whedon's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:8
8. Lifts from the dust the poor — Compare Psalms 113:7-8, which is borrowed from this prayer of Hannah. A throne of glory — A position of eminence and power.
Sermons on 1 Samuel 2:8
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The Righteous Ennobled and Exalted by Thomas Bradbury | Thomas Bradbury preaches about the book of Job, emphasizing the importance of discerning between the opinions of man and the declarations of God within the text. He highlights the |
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His Anointing (1 Samuel 16, 17) by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of David's anointing in 1 Samuel 16 and 17, illustrating how it represents God's grace amidst Israel's spiritual decline. He highlights that D |
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Prayers (Compilations) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart and seeing people the way God sees them. He mentions that when our hearts are broken, we are able to |
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Prayers (Voice) by Compilations | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a broken heart and trusting in God. He expresses gratitude for the redemption of souls and acknowledges God's compa |
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Just Vessels by Jackie Pullinger | This sermon emphasizes the importance of ministering to the poor, highlighting how God chooses the weak and needy to shame the strong, and how reaching out to the poor can lead to |
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(Demonology) How the Warfare Goes by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the power of the devil and his influence over various realms, including the political, physical, mental, and spiritual realms. The preacher e |
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Integrity: Prosperity Gospel by Femi Adeley by Femi Adeleye | This sermon addresses the dangers and misconceptions of the prosperity gospel, highlighting how it can lead to materialism, misinterpretation of Scripture, and a focus on personal |