What does 1 Samuel 2:7 mean?

How much of life do people spend planning, scheming, and despairing about money and wealth? While our choices help us to avoid poverty or build wealth (Proverbs 10:4–5; 12:11; 13:11; 14:23; 21:5 24:33–34), ultimate control over how much money we have at any given moment is limited (Luke 12:13–21; James 4:13–16). The one who controls life and death (1 Samuel 2:6) can certainly reverse financial situations any time He chooses (Matthew 6:25–34; Philippians 4:11–13).

Hannah declares that it is God who makes one poor or rich during the limited span of human lives on earth. Also, because money is so often connected to social standing in the community, Hannah adds that it is the Lord who brings some low in the community and exalts others to positions of higher status.

Just as we respond to the reality of God's sovereignty over life and death with humility and dependence on the Lord, so, too, should we respond to the reality of His sovereignty over economic and social realities (Luke 12:22–34; Philippians 4:4–8; 1 Peter 5:6–7).