“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time” (1 Peter 5:6).
In commenting on this passage, one source encourages us to adopt a vertical perspective in our engagements with others…
“We often worry about our position and status, hoping to get proper recognition for what we do. But Peter advises us to remember that God’s recognition counts more than human praise. God is able and willing to bless us according to his timing. Humbly obey God regardless of present circumstances, and in his good time-either in this life or in the next-he will honor you” (1)
As we might expect, this reference to “…the mighty hand of God” offers a symbolic representation of God’s power and authority. The following author analyzes this descriptive imagery and provides a contemporary application…
“The phrase the mighty hand of God is common in the Old Testament; and it is most often used in connection with the deliverance which God wrought for his people when he brought them out of Egypt. ‘With a strong hand,’ said Moses, ‘the Lord has brought you out of Egypt’ (Exo_13:9). ‘Thou hast only begun to show thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand’ (Deu_3:24). God brought his people forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand (Deu_9:26).
The idea is that God’s mighty hand is on the destiny of his people, if they will humbly and faithfully accept his guidance. After all the varied experiences of life, Joseph could say to the brothers who had once sought to eliminate him: ‘As for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good’ (Gen_50:20). The Christian never resents the experiences of life and never rebels against them, because he knows that the mighty hand of God is on the tiller of his life and that he has a destiny for him.” (2)
Those who willingly accept the humbling experiences God sends their way can rest in this assurance: the same mighty hand that allowed those circumstances will exalt them in due time as well. This passage also draws our attention to the Apostle Paul’s counsel in Romans 12:3…
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you” (NIV).
This portion of Scripture encourages us to maintain a humble, yet accurate perspective of ourselves, neither underestimating nor overestimating our God-given abilities. Instead, we should prayerfully assess our lives in a sober manner, acknowledging and giving thanks to God for the talents, skills, abilities, and opportunities He has graciously provided.
(1) Life Application Study Bible NKJV [1 Peter 5:6] Copyright © 1988, 1989, 1991, 1993, 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Publishers Inc., all rights reserved.
(1) Barclay, William. William Barclay’s Daily Study Bible, The Laws Of The Christian Life (1) (1Pe_5:6-11).