Hannah’s prayer contains a powerful affirmation of God’s protection and ultimate authority: “He keeps the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail” (v.9). This declaration follows Hannah’s personal testimony, as she asked God for a child and then offered her son Samuel to serve in the tabernacle. Hannah lived around the 11th century BC, a time when the priesthood operated at Shiloh, located in the central hill country of ancient Israel, about 20 miles north of Jerusalem. Although this verse does not directly mention geographical locations, its context unfolds near Shiloh, where the tabernacle of the LORD was established.
In this statement, Hannah rejoices that God will sustain those who trust in Him, illustrated by the phrase “He keeps the feet of His godly ones” (v.9). God’s watchful oversight suggests that heavenly protection is granted to those who remain faithful. At the same time, “the wicked ones are silenced in darkness” (v.9), pointing to the reality that any human rebellion against God’s authority ends in loss and silence. Hannah’s assurance that “not by might shall a man prevail” (v.9) underscores that human strength alone cannot achieve lasting victory; instead, the ultimate triumph belongs to God. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, including passages that point to God’s power made evident in Jesus, who demonstrated that victory over sin is found through faith rather than force (Romans 5:1-2).
Historically, Hannah’s account builds up to the ministry of her son Samuel, who lived from around 1105 BC to 1010 BC and played a key role in shaping Israel’s leadership. Hannah’s words foreshadow the many times God would protect Israel despite overwhelming odds, emphasizing trust in His sovereignty. Later, through Jesus Christ, we are again shown that dependence on God surpasses any human strategy (John 15:5). Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 continues to encourage followers of God to trust His divine strength and loving care.
Set to dark mode
1 Samuel 2:9 meaning
Hannah’s prayer contains a powerful affirmation of God’s protection and ultimate authority: “He keeps the feet of His godly ones, But the wicked ones are silenced in darkness; For not by might shall a man prevail” (v.9). This declaration follows Hannah’s personal testimony, as she asked God for a child and then offered her son Samuel to serve in the tabernacle. Hannah lived around the 11th century BC, a time when the priesthood operated at Shiloh, located in the central hill country of ancient Israel, about 20 miles north of Jerusalem. Although this verse does not directly mention geographical locations, its context unfolds near Shiloh, where the tabernacle of the LORD was established.
In this statement, Hannah rejoices that God will sustain those who trust in Him, illustrated by the phrase “He keeps the feet of His godly ones” (v.9). God’s watchful oversight suggests that heavenly protection is granted to those who remain faithful. At the same time, “the wicked ones are silenced in darkness” (v.9), pointing to the reality that any human rebellion against God’s authority ends in loss and silence. Hannah’s assurance that “not by might shall a man prevail” (v.9) underscores that human strength alone cannot achieve lasting victory; instead, the ultimate triumph belongs to God. This truth resonates throughout Scripture, including passages that point to God’s power made evident in Jesus, who demonstrated that victory over sin is found through faith rather than force (Romans 5:1-2).
Historically, Hannah’s account builds up to the ministry of her son Samuel, who lived from around 1105 BC to 1010 BC and played a key role in shaping Israel’s leadership. Hannah’s words foreshadow the many times God would protect Israel despite overwhelming odds, emphasizing trust in His sovereignty. Later, through Jesus Christ, we are again shown that dependence on God surpasses any human strategy (John 15:5). Hannah’s prayer in 1 Samuel 2 continues to encourage followers of God to trust His divine strength and loving care.