I Samuel 2:4
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The bows of the mighty are broken, but the feeble are equipped with strength.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
In this chapter we have, I. Hannah's song of thanksgiving to God for his favour to her in giving her Samuel (Sa1 2:1-10). II. Their return to their family, with Eli's blessing (Sa1 2:11, Sa1 2:20). The increase of their family (Sa1 2:21). Samuel's growth and improvement (Sa1 2:11, Sa1 2:18, Sa1 2:21, Sa1 2:26), and the care Hannah took to clothe him (Sa1 2:19). III. The great wickedness of Eli's sons (Sa1 2:12-17, Sa1 2:22). IV. The over-mild reproof that Eli gave them for it (Sa1 2:23-25). V. The justly dreadful message God sent him by a prophet, threatening the ruin of his family for the wickedness of his sons (Sa1 2:27-36).
Open source ↗2:4-8 Hannah celebrated God’s sovereign ability to radically reverse human circumstances.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.
There He shattered the flaming arrows, the shield and sword and weapons of war. Selah
He makes wars to cease throughout the earth; He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; He burns the shields in the fire.
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Nothing will remain but to crouch among the captives or fall among the slain. Despite all this, His anger is not turned away; His hand is still upraised.
For the arms of the wicked will be broken, but the LORD upholds the righteous.
But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
Indeed, if you were to strike down the entire army of the Chaldeans that is fighting against you, and only wounded men remained in their tents, they would still get up and burn this city down.”
Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness arrayed,