The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
Hannah's words belong to her public praise to God in the assembly of the people after He granted the desire of her heart and highly favored her. They were an acknowledgment of His mercy and loving-kindness, spoken under inspiration. Though by nature she was a retiring and timid woman, she was moved to give this testimony openly. In its immediate setting the song answers the proud boastings of an insolent and contentious woman.
The verse declares God's reversal of human strength and weakness, in which He breaks the power of the mighty and gives strength to those who stumble. It teaches the humiliation of the proud and the exaltation of the humble. Even in this life God uses this reversal to bring the ungodly to shame and confusion. Those who aspire to distinction and worldly honor and are proud of their valor and military skill have their power broken and are overcome by a weak and despised company whom God has strengthened.
This reversal belongs to the destruction and downfall of God's enemies and the complete and final triumph of His redeemed people and faithful servants. As part of Hannah's prophetic song, the verse points forward to David who would reign as king of Israel and to Christ the Messiah, the Lord's anointed.
Hannah's words belong to her public praise to God in the assembly of the people after He granted the desire of her heart and highly favored her. They were an acknowledgment of His mercy and loving-kindness, spoken under inspiration. Though by nature she was a retiring and timid woman, she was moved to give this testimony openly. In its immediate setting the song answers the proud boastings of an insolent and contentious woman.
The verse declares God's reversal of human strength and weakness, in which He breaks the power of the mighty and gives strength to those who stumble. It teaches the humiliation of the proud and the exaltation of the humble. Even in this life God uses this reversal to bring the ungodly to shame and confusion. Those who aspire to distinction and worldly honor and are proud of their valor and military skill have their power broken and are overcome by a weak and despised company whom God has strengthened.
This reversal belongs to the destruction and downfall of God's enemies and the complete and final triumph of His redeemed people and faithful servants. As part of Hannah's prophetic song, the verse points forward to David who would reign as king of Israel and to Christ the Messiah, the Lord's anointed.