God’s sovereign wisdom calls His people to humility and trust in every generation.
Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel takes place near the tabernacle in Shiloh, during Israel’s transition from the era of the judges into the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul and later King David. Hannah herself lived around the 11th century BC and was the mother of Samuel, who would become a prophet and judge, anointing Israel’s first two kings (1SA_16_1, 1SA_16_6). By dedicating her child to the Lord, Hannah demonstrated profound faith in God’s sovereign power and knowledge, which she extols throughout her prayer.
In describing the Lord’s supreme authority over human pride, Hannah declares: “Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.” (v.3) Her words warn against a proud heart before God, whose perfect knowledge lays bare every hidden motive. The phrase “God of knowledge” stresses that He weighs people’s hearts and deeds accurately, a theme vividly illustrated later when God chooses David based on his heart rather than on outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). Hannah thus points out that God’s justice is neither swayed by earthly power nor limited by human understanding, because all actions are taken into account before Him.
This verse points forward as well, reminding believers that Jesus Himself taught humility, urging His disciples to shun pride and follow a path of humble service (Luke 14:11). Just as Hannah proclaims that God sees every action, Jesus likewise calls humanity to acknowledge God’s all-encompassing wisdom and to live in reverent submission. Though Hannah spoke her prayer in a time when Israel was identifying its leadership through priests and emerging kings (1SA_8_1, 1SA_16_1), her words still echo across scripture, underscoring that regardless of era or covenant, God’s knowledge and judgment remain steadfast.
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1 Samuel 2:3 meaning
Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel takes place near the tabernacle in Shiloh, during Israel’s transition from the era of the judges into the establishment of the monarchy under King Saul and later King David. Hannah herself lived around the 11th century BC and was the mother of Samuel, who would become a prophet and judge, anointing Israel’s first two kings (1SA_16_1, 1SA_16_6). By dedicating her child to the Lord, Hannah demonstrated profound faith in God’s sovereign power and knowledge, which she extols throughout her prayer.
In describing the Lord’s supreme authority over human pride, Hannah declares: “Boast no more so very proudly, Do not let arrogance come out of your mouth; For the LORD is a God of knowledge, And with Him actions are weighed.” (v.3) Her words warn against a proud heart before God, whose perfect knowledge lays bare every hidden motive. The phrase “God of knowledge” stresses that He weighs people’s hearts and deeds accurately, a theme vividly illustrated later when God chooses David based on his heart rather than on outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7). Hannah thus points out that God’s justice is neither swayed by earthly power nor limited by human understanding, because all actions are taken into account before Him.
This verse points forward as well, reminding believers that Jesus Himself taught humility, urging His disciples to shun pride and follow a path of humble service (Luke 14:11). Just as Hannah proclaims that God sees every action, Jesus likewise calls humanity to acknowledge God’s all-encompassing wisdom and to live in reverent submission. Though Hannah spoke her prayer in a time when Israel was identifying its leadership through priests and emerging kings (1SA_8_1, 1SA_16_1), her words still echo across scripture, underscoring that regardless of era or covenant, God’s knowledge and judgment remain steadfast.