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    1 Samuel 2 (KJV)

    Read 1 Samuel chapter 2 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    1 Samuel 2

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    1 Samuel 2:2

    "There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside the…"

    1 Samuel 2:30

    "Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that t…"

    Explore Topics Related to 1 Samuel 2

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    1 Samuel 2 Summary

    First Samuel 2 opens with Hannah's Song — a magnificent prayer of thanksgiving that anticipates Mary's Magnificat by a thousand years. Hannah praises God as the one who reverses human fortunes: the barren bear seven, the mighty stumble, the poor are lifted from the ash heap. Her song is prophetic, ending with a reference to God's 'anointed' (messiah).

    The chapter then contrasts the growing boy Samuel with Eli's corrupt sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who abuse their priestly office by stealing sacrifices and sleeping with women at the Tabernacle. A man of God warns Eli that his house will be judged. The juxtaposition is deliberate: as Samuel grows in favor, Eli's house declines toward destruction.

    Key Themes

    Hannah's SongGod reverses fortunesCorruption of Eli's sonsSamuel's growthJudgment on unfaithful priests

    Key Verses in 1 Samuel 2

    "There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God."

    — 1 Samuel 2:2

    The theological foundation of Hannah's song — God's uniqueness and reliability.

    "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."

    — 1 Samuel 2:6-7

    God's sovereignty over every reversal — the great equalizer of human pride.

    "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."

    — 1 Samuel 2:26

    Language echoed in Luke 2:52 about Jesus — Samuel's growth parallels the growth of Christ.

    Life Application

    Hannah's Song teaches that God specializes in reversals: the empty become full, the weak become strong, the overlooked become honored. If your current circumstances feel like a dead end, this prayer invites you to trust the God who 'raiseth up the poor out of the dust.' Meanwhile, Eli's sons warn that privilege without character leads to ruin.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How is Hannah's Song connected to Mary's Magnificat?

    Mary's song in Luke 1:46-55 echoes Hannah's themes closely: God lifts the lowly, fills the hungry, scatters the proud, and remembers His covenant. Both songs celebrate God's reversal of human power structures through unexpected births that change history.

    What did Eli's sons do wrong?

    Hophni and Phinehas abused their priestly authority by taking the best portions of sacrifices by force and engaging in sexual immorality at the Tabernacle. Their corruption represented systemic spiritual failure, and God's judgment on them foreshadowed the end of the Elide priesthood.

    Read the full summary of 1 Samuel

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