The LORD sends poverty and wealth;This phrase emphasizes God's sovereignty over all aspects of life, including economic status. In the biblical context, wealth and poverty are often seen as blessings or judgments from God. This reflects the belief that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, controlling the rise and fall of individuals and nations. The idea that God sends both poverty and wealth can be seen in the lives of biblical figures such as Job, who experienced both extreme wealth and devastating loss. This concept is echoed in
Deuteronomy 8:18, where it is stated that God gives the power to gain wealth, and in
Proverbs 22:2, which notes that the rich and poor have this in common: the LORD is the Maker of them all.
He humbles and He exalts.
This phrase highlights God's authority to elevate or bring low according to His will. The humbling and exalting of individuals is a recurring theme in Scripture. For example, Joseph was humbled through slavery and imprisonment before being exalted to a position of power in Egypt (Genesis 37-41). Similarly, King Nebuchadnezzar was humbled by God before being restored to his throne (Daniel 4). This principle is also reflected in the New Testament, where Jesus teaches that those who humble themselves will be exalted (Matthew 23:12). The ultimate example of this is Jesus Christ Himself, who humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death on a cross and was subsequently exalted by God (Philippians 2:8-9). This phrase serves as a reminder of God's ultimate control over human destiny and the importance of humility before Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
HannahThe mother of Samuel, who offers a prayer of thanksgiving to God, acknowledging His sovereignty and justice.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The central figure in this verse, whose actions of making poor and rich, bringing low and exalting, demonstrate His ultimate control over human circumstances.
3.
IsraelThe nation to whom these truths are particularly relevant, as they navigate their relationship with God and their socio-political challenges.
4.
The Tabernacle at ShilohThe setting where Hannah prays and dedicates Samuel to the LORD, symbolizing a place of divine encounter and revelation.
5.
EliThe priest at Shiloh, whose household contrasts with Hannah's faithfulness, highlighting themes of divine justice and reversal.
Teaching Points
God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of all circumstances, whether wealth or poverty, and trust in His divine plan.
Humility and ExaltationUnderstand that God values humility and can exalt those who humble themselves before Him.
Divine JusticeAcknowledge that God's actions are just, and He will ultimately bring about justice in His timing.
Contentment in All CircumstancesLearn to be content with what God provides, knowing that He has a purpose for every situation.
Faithful StewardshipUse whatever resources God has given—whether much or little—for His glory and the benefit of others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 2:7?
2.How does 1 Samuel 2:7 illustrate God's sovereignty over wealth and poverty?
3.What does 1 Samuel 2:7 teach about God's role in our life circumstances?
4.How can we trust God's provision as shown in 1 Samuel 2:7?
5.Which other scriptures affirm God's control over human prosperity and adversity?
6.How should 1 Samuel 2:7 influence our attitude towards material possessions?
7.How does 1 Samuel 2:7 reflect God's sovereignty over wealth and poverty?
8.What historical context influences the message of 1 Samuel 2:7?
9.How does 1 Samuel 2:7 challenge modern views on wealth distribution?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 2?
11.In 1 Samuel 2:7, where God is said to make people poor or rich, how does this square with observable facts about wealth distribution and free will?
12.How do we reconcile the differences between 1 Chronicles 17 and 2 Samuel 7 regarding the details of God's covenant with David?
13.(Psalm 113:7–8) Despite the claim that God “raises the poor” and seats them “with princes,” how do we explain the ongoing existence of poverty with little evidence of divine intervention?
14.(Luke 6:20–26) Why believe promises of future blessings for the poor and warnings for the rich when many see no real-world proof of such reversals?What Does 1 Samuel 2:7 Mean
The LORD• The verse opens by naming the One who stands behind every human circumstance. Hannah’s song already reminded us, “The LORD brings death and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up” (1 Samuel 2:6).
• Scripture consistently affirms that “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). Nothing—abundance or lack—lies outside His rule (Daniel 4:34-35;James 1:17).
• Job acknowledged this sovereignty even in loss: “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away” (Job 1:21).
sends poverty• Poverty is not random; God may allow financial scarcity to cultivate dependence on Him (Deuteronomy 8:2-3).
• Examples:
– Elijah’s widow of Zarephath, whose handful of flour taught daily trust (1 Kings 17:8-16).
– The Macedonian churches, “in severe trial, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity” (2 Corinthians 8:2).
•Proverbs 22:2 notes, “Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all,” underscoring that His purposes, not human merit, set our conditions.
and wealth• Wealth, too, is a gift: “Remember that it is He who gives you the power to gain wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18).
• Examples:
– Abraham’s flocks (Genesis 13:2).
– Job’s restoration, “The LORD blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former” (Job 42:12).
• Wealth carries stewardship obligations (1 Timothy 6:17-19); yet its presence reveals God’s generosity (Proverbs 10:22).
He humbles• God actively brings down the proud. Nebuchadnezzar learned that “those who walk in pride He is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37).
• Jesus taught, “Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled” (Luke 14:11).
• Humbling seasons—illness, failure, loss—strip away self-reliance so we can “receive grace” (James 4:6).
and He exalts• The same hand that lowers also lifts. “Promotion does not come from the east or the west… God is the Judge: He brings one down, He exalts another” (Psalm 75:6-7).
• Illustrations:
– Joseph, sold as a slave, raised to Egypt’s throne (Genesis 41:41-44).
– David, shepherd turned king (2 Samuel 7:8).
– Mary rejoiced, “He has brought down rulers… but has exalted the humble” (Luke 1:52).
• Believers are assured, “Humble yourselves… that He may exalt you at the proper time” (1 Peter 5:6).
summaryGod alone determines our seasons of lack and abundance, lowering and lifting. Whether He assigns poverty or wealth, humbling or exaltation, His purposes are always wise, righteous, and ultimately redemptive. Our calling is steady trust, humble obedience, and faithful stewardship, confident that the same Lord who sends each circumstance is working all things for His glory and our good.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelsends povertyמוֹרִ֣ישׁ(mō·w·rîš)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3423:To occupy, to seize, to rob, to inherit, to expel, to impoverish, to ruinand wealth;וּמַעֲשִׁ֑יר(ū·ma·‘ă·šîr)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 6238:To accumulate, chiefly, to grow, richHe humblesמַשְׁפִּ֖יל(maš·pîl)Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8213:To be or become low, to be abasedandאַף־(’ap̄-)Conjunction
Strong's 637:Meaning accession, yea, adversatively thoughHe exalts.מְרוֹמֵֽם׃(mə·rō·w·mêm)Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7311:To be high actively, to rise, raise
Links
1 Samuel 2:7 NIV1 Samuel 2:7 NLT1 Samuel 2:7 ESV1 Samuel 2:7 NASB1 Samuel 2:7 KJV
1 Samuel 2:7 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 2:7 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 2:7 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 2:7 French Bible1 Samuel 2:7 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 2:7 Yahweh makes poor and makes rich (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
