King James Version
1 Samuel 2
36 verses with commentary
Hannah's Prayer of Thanksgiving
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's prayer inaugurates one of Scripture's most significant prophetic poems. Her 'heart' (lev) rejoicing shows internal transformation, while her 'horn' (qeren) being exalted pictures strength restored - the horn symbolizing power as in a strong bull. The phrase 'mouth is enlarged' over enemies indicates confident speech replacing shameful silence. The Hebrew yeshu'ah (salvation) introduces a ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(1) **And Hannah prayed, and said.**—“Prayed,” not quite in the sense in which we generally understand prayer. Her prayer here asks for nothing; it is rather a song of thanksgiving for the past, a song which passes into expressions of sure confidence for the future. She had been an unhappy woman; her life had been, she thought, a failure; her dearest hopes had been baffled; vexed, tormented, utter...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**7-10. the five men departed, and came to Laish--**or, "Leshem" (Jos 19:47), supposed to have been peopled by a colony of Zidonians. The place was very secluded--the soil rich in the abundance and variety of its produce, and the inhabitants, following the peaceful pursuits of agriculture, lived in their fertile and sequestered valley, according to the Zidonian style of ease and security, happy am...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz.(1-3)
The kindness of Boaz to Ruth.(4-16)
Ruth returns to her mother-in-law.
(17-23)
**Verses 1-3**
Observe Ruth's humility. When Providence had made her poor, she cheerfully stoops to her lot. High spirits will rather starve than stoop; not so Ruth. Nay, it is her own proposal. She speaks humbly in her expectatio...
Read full commentary →There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's declaration of God's uniqueness stands at the heart of Hebrew monotheism. The triple assertion - 'none holy,' 'none beside thee,' 'no rock' - emphasizes divine incomparability from multiple angles. The term 'holy' (qadosh) means set apart, transcendently other. 'Rock' (tsur) pictures stability, refuge, and reliable foundation. Hannah's theology is thoroughly God-centered - human circumsta...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Neither is there any rock.**—This was a favourite simile among the inspired song-writers of Israel. The image, doubtless, is a memory of the long desert wandering. The steep precipices and the strange fantastic rocks of Sinai, standing up in the midst of the shifting desert sands, supplied an ever present picture of unchangeableness, of majesty, and of security. The term rock, as applied to ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz.(1-3)
The kindness of Boaz to Ruth.(4-16)
Ruth returns to her mother-in-law.
(17-23)
**Verses 1-3**
Observe Ruth's humility. When Providence had made her poor, she cheerfully stoops to her lot. High spirits will rather starve than stoop; not so Ruth. Nay, it is her own proposal. She speaks humbly in her expectatio...
Read full commentary →Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORD is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. arrogancy: Heb. hard
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's warning against pride directly addresses those like Peninnah who trusted in human advantages. The phrase 'exceeding proudly' intensifies the prohibition. The theological basis is God's omniscience - He is 'a God of knowledge' (or 'God of knowledges,' plural of majesty). The statement 'by him actions are weighed' pictures divine scales measuring every deed. Human boasting reveals ignorance...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **A God of knowledge.**—The Hebrew words are placed thus: *A God of knowledge is the Lord, *The Talmud quaintly comments here as follows:—Rabbi Ami says: “Knowledge is of great price, for it is placed between *two *Divine names; as it is written (1Samuel 2:3), ‘A God of knowledge is the Lord,’ and therefore mercy is to be denied to him who has no knowledge; for it is written (Isaiah 27:11), ‘I...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
Ruth gleans in the field of Boaz.(1-3)
The kindness of Boaz to Ruth.(4-16)
Ruth returns to her mother-in-law.
(17-23)
**Verses 1-3**
Observe Ruth's humility. When Providence had made her poor, she cheerfully stoops to her lot. High spirits will rather starve than stoop; not so Ruth. Nay, it is her own proposal. She speaks humbly in her expectatio...
Read full commentary →The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Hannah now applies her theology to concrete reversals of fortune. The 'bows of the mighty' represent military power and self-sufficient strength. Their breaking demonstrates God's ability to disarm the powerful. Conversely, those who 'stumbled' (the weak and failing) receive strength like a warrior's belt. This reversal pattern permeates Scripture and finds ultimate expression in the cross, where ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **The bows of the mighty men are broken.**—God reverses human conditions, bringing low the wicked, and raising up the righteous.
Von Gerlach writes of these verses that “Every power which will be something in itself is destroyed by the Lord: every weakness which despairs of itself is transformed into power.” “The bows of the heroes,” that is to say, *the heroes of the bow, *the symbol of human...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-16**
The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct of Boaz and his reapers. But true r...
Read full commentary →They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The economic reversals continue Hannah's theme. Those once satiated must hire themselves out for bread (the most basic sustenance), while the hungry need work no more. Hannah's personal experience of reversal (barren to blessed) grounds her prophetic vision. The number 'seven' represents completeness - the barren woman bears the full blessing of children while the prolific mother fades. Hannah her...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **They that were full.**—Another image to illustrate the vicissitudes of human affairs is sketched, one very familiar to the dwellers among the cornfields and vineyards of Canaan.
**The barren hath born seven.**—Here the thought of the inspired singer reverts to herself, and the imagery is drawn from the story of her own life. Seven children are mentioned as the full number of the Divine bless...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-16**
The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct of Boaz and his reapers. But true r...
Read full commentary →The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's theology reaches cosmic proportions. God's sovereignty extends to life and death, the grave (Sheol) and resurrection. The parallelism 'killeth/maketh alive' and 'bringeth down/bringeth up' affirms total divine control over human destiny. This early statement of resurrection hope is remarkable, anticipating fuller revelation. Hannah proclaims not merely that God permits death but that He a...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **The Lord killeth, and maketh alive.**—Death too and life come from this same omnipotent Lord: nothing in the affairs of men is the sport of blind chance. The reign of a Divine law administered by the God to whom Hannah prayed is universal, and guides with a strict unerring justice what are commonly called the ups and downs, the changes and chances, of this mortal life. The following lines of...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-16**
The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct of Boaz and his reapers. But true r...
Read full commentary →The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Economic reversals extend God's sovereignty to material prosperity. The LORD 'maketh poor' and 'maketh rich' - human wealth comes not from personal achievement but divine distribution. Similarly, He 'bringeth low' and 'lifteth up' in social status. This theology challenges prosperity gospel distortions that promise wealth to the faithful while explaining poverty as lack of faith. Hannah knows both...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-16**
The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct of Boaz and his reapers. But true r...
Read full commentary →He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
This verse presents the most dramatic social reversal: the poor raised from dust and dunghill (ash heap) to sit with princes and inherit glory. The imagery is deliberately extreme - from the garbage heap to the royal throne. The theological foundation appears in the final clause: 'the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.' Creation itself depends on God; therefo...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **The pillars of the earth.**—And the gracious All-Ruler does these things, for He is at once Creator and Upholder of the universe. The words of these Divine songs which treat of cosmogony are such as would be understood in the childhood of peoples. The quiet thinker, however, is tempted to ask whether after 3,000 or 4,000 years, now, with the light of modern science shining round us, we have ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-16**
The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct of Boaz and his reapers. But true r...
Read full commentary →He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's prophetic vision turns to God's protective care for His own. 'Keeping the feet' of saints implies guiding their path and preventing stumbling. The Hebrew chasidim (saints, faithful ones) describes those in covenant relationship with God. In contrast, the wicked shall be 'silent in darkness' - silenced in judgment and condemned to the shadowy realm of death. The crucial statement 'by stren...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **He will keep the feet.**—This was the comforting deduction Hannah drew from the circumstances of her life: this the grave moral reflection the Spirit of the Lord bade her put down for the support and solace of all true servants of the Eternal in coming ages. Seeing that Jehovah of Israel governs the world, the righteous have nothing really to fear; it is only the wicked and rebellious who ha...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-16**
The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct of Boaz and his reapers. But true r...
Read full commentary →The adversaries of the LORD shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven shall he thunder upon them: the LORD shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The climax of Hannah's song introduces stunning prophetic revelation. God's adversaries will be shattered and judged with cosmic thunder. But the astonishing elements are the final lines: God will give strength to 'his king' and exalt the 'horn of his anointed' (meshiach, messiah). Israel has no king when Hannah sings; the monarchy will begin through her own son Samuel! Hannah prophesies the David...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **His king . . . of his anointed.**—A Lapide, quoted by Wordsworth, wrote here, “*haec omnia spectant ad Christum,” *“all these things have regard to Christ.” Jewish expositors, too, have generally interpreted these words as a prophecy of King Messiah. The words received a partial fulfilment in the splendid reigns of David and Solomon; but the pious Jew looked on the golden halo which surroun...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 4-16**
The pious and kind language between Boaz and his reapers shows that there were godly persons in Israel. Such language as this is seldom heard in our field; too often, on the contrary, what is immoral and corrupt. A stranger would form a very different opinion of our land, from that which Ruth would form of Israel from the converse and conduct of Boaz and his reapers. But true r...
Read full commentary →And Elkanah went to Ramah to his house. And the child did minister unto the LORD before Eli the priest.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The narrative transitions from Hannah's exalted worship to the mundane reality of returning home. Yet this brief verse contains profound contrast. Elkanah returns to Ramah (normal life), but Samuel remains to 'minister unto the LORD before Eli.' The Hebrew sharat (to serve, minister) indicates formal religious service. The young child begins his life of service even as Hannah's song still echoes. ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11-36) The Service of the boy Samuel in the Sanctuary—The Dissolute Life of the Sons of Eli—The Doom of the House of Ithamar.
(11) **Elkanah went to Ramah.**—These simple words just sketch out what took place after Hannah left her boy in Shiloh. Elkanah went home, and the old family life, with its calm religious trustfulness, flowed on in the quiet town of “Ramah of the Watchers” as it did aforet...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →Eli's Wicked Sons
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The narrator's characterization of Eli's sons is devastating: 'sons of Belial' indicates complete worthlessness and wickedness. More shocking: 'they knew not the LORD.' These are priests, officiating at Israel's central sanctuary, yet they have no personal relationship with the God they supposedly serve. The Hebrew yada' (to know) implies intimate, experiential knowledge - they performed religious...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **Sons of.**—The word Belial is printed here and 1Samuel 1:16, as though Belial were the name of some pagan deity, but it simply signifies “worthlessness.” It is a common term in these records of Samuel, being used some nine or ten times. It is rarely found in the other historical books. “Sons of Belial” signifies, then, merely “sons of worthlessness,” worthless, good-for-nothing men. The *Sp...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11-21. there went from thence of the family of the Danites ... six hundred men--**This was the collective number of the men who were equipped with arms to carry out this expeditionary enterprise, without including the families and furniture of the emigrants (Jud 18:21). Their journey led them through the territory of Judah, and their first halting place was "behind," that is, on the west of Kirj...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →And the priests' custom with the people was, that, when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The detailed description of priestly corruption begins. The 'custom' (mishpat, which can mean either practice or judgment) of these priests perverted proper sacrificial procedure. The three-pronged fork used to select meat portions was meant to take what God had designated for priests. Instead, it became a tool for random seizure. The boiling pot - intended for the worshipers' communion meal - bec...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **The priest’s custom.**—That is to say, the custom or practice introduced under these robber-priests, who were not content with the modest share of the offerings assigned to them by the Law of Moses. (See Leviticus 7:31; Leviticus 7:35; Deuteronomy 18:3.)
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-26. the men that were in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together--**The robbers of the chapel being soon detected, a hot pursuit was forthwith commenced by Micah, at the head of a considerable body of followers. The readiness with which they joined in the attempt to recover the stolen articles affords a presumption that the advantages of the chapel had been open to all in the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the fleshhook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites that came thither.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The corruption spreads from the priests' portion to the people's share. Whatever the fork brought up, 'the priest took for himself.' This violated multiple laws: taking more than priestly due, interrupting the worshiper's communion meal, and showing contempt for sacred procedures. The phrase 'So they did in Shiloh unto all the Israelites' indicates systematic, widespread abuse. Every worshiper who...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-26. the men that were in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together--**The robbers of the chapel being soon detected, a hot pursuit was forthwith commenced by Micah, at the head of a considerable body of followers. The readiness with which they joined in the attempt to recover the stolen articles affords a presumption that the advantages of the chapel had been open to all in the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →Also before they burnt the fat, the priest's servant came, and said to the man that sacrificed, Give flesh to roast for the priest; for he will not have sodden flesh of thee, but raw.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The abuse escalates further. Not content with boiled meat, the priests demanded raw flesh for roasting before the fat was burned to God. Levitical law required burning the fat first (Leviticus 3:3-5) as the LORD's portion - the 'food of God' (Leviticus 3:11). By seizing meat before this sacred offering, the priests literally took what belonged to God Himself. They prioritized their culinary prefer...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **Before they burnt the fat.**—This was a still graver offence against the ritual of the sacrifice. A contemptuous insult was here offered to the Lord. This fat was not to be eaten or taken by any one; it was God’s portion, to be burnt by the priest on the altar (Leviticus 3:16; Leviticus 7:23; Leviticus 7:25; Leviticus 7:30-31).
In all these strange rites and ceremonies there was a higher sy...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-26. the men that were in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together--**The robbers of the chapel being soon detected, a hot pursuit was forthwith commenced by Micah, at the head of a considerable body of followers. The readiness with which they joined in the attempt to recover the stolen articles affords a presumption that the advantages of the chapel had been open to all in the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →And if any man said unto him, Let them not fail to burn the fat presently, and then take as much as thy soul desireth; then he would answer him, Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force. presently: Heb. as on the day
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The confrontation between worshiper and corrupt priest reveals the depths of priestly arrogance. The worshiper reasonably requests proper order - burn God's portion first, then take what you want. This offered the priest even more than his due, demonstrating accommodation. But the response is threatening: 'Nay; but thou shalt give it me now: and if not, I will take it by force.' The Hebrew chazaq ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **And if not, I will take it by force.**—The solemn ritual of the sacrifice was not only transgressed by these covetous, greedy, ministering priests, but the worshippers were compelled by force to yield to these new lawless customs, probably introduced by these sons of the high priest Eli.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-26. the men that were in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together--**The robbers of the chapel being soon detected, a hot pursuit was forthwith commenced by Micah, at the head of a considerable body of followers. The readiness with which they joined in the attempt to recover the stolen articles affords a presumption that the advantages of the chapel had been open to all in the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The narrator's assessment is comprehensive: 'the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD.' Great in scope (affecting all worshipers), great in nature (profaning sacred things), and great in consequence (causing others to despise worship). The phrase 'men abhorred the offering of the LORD' indicates the most serious result - corrupted leadership drove people away from God. When those re...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **The sin of the young men was very great.**—*Grave peccatum sacerdotum ob scandalurn datum laicis *(“the sin of the priests was a great one, because it put a stumbling-block in the way of the people”).—A. Lapide, quoted by Wordsworth. Religion was being brought into general disrepute through the conduct of its leading ministers; was it likely that piety, justice, and purity would be honoured...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**22-26. the men that were in the houses near to Micah's house were gathered together--**The robbers of the chapel being soon detected, a hot pursuit was forthwith commenced by Micah, at the head of a considerable body of followers. The readiness with which they joined in the attempt to recover the stolen articles affords a presumption that the advantages of the chapel had been open to all in the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The narrative deliberately juxtaposes the corruption of Eli's sons with Samuel's faithful service. 'But Samuel ministered before the LORD' presents sharp contrast. His 'linen ephod' - a priestly garment - indicates legitimate service even as a child. Where Hophni and Phinehas profaned their office, Samuel honored his. Where they exploited worshipers, he served the LORD. The word 'child' (na'ar) em...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Ministered . . . being a child.**—A striking contrast is intended to be drawn here between the covetous, self-seeking ministrations of the worldly priests and the quiet service of the boy devoted by his pious mother and father to the sanctuary service.
**Girded with a linen ephod.**—The ephod was a priestly dress, which Samuel received in very early youth, because he had, with the high prie...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Jud 18:27-29. They Win Laish.
**27. they ... came unto Laish ... smote them--**the inhabitants.
**and burnt the city--**"We are revolted by this inroad and massacre of a quiet and secure people. Nevertheless, if the original grant of Canaan to the Israelites gave them the warrant of a divine commission and command for this enterprise, that sanctifies all and legalizes all" [Chalmers]. This plac...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →Moreover his mother made him a little coat, and brought it to him from year to year, when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Hannah's yearly gift of a little coat (me'il, a sleeveless robe) demonstrates enduring maternal love within her vow of dedication. The me'il later becomes a significant garment - Samuel will wear a distinctive robe as prophet, and its tearing will symbolize the tearing of Saul's kingdom (15:27-28). Hannah's simple act of making and bringing this garment shows that dedication to God does not elimin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **A little coat**.—The “little coat”—Hebrew, *m’il*—was, no doubt, closely resembling in shape the *m’il, *or robe worn apparently by the high priest, only the little *m’il *of Samuel was without the costly symbolical ornaments attached to the high priestly robe.
This strange, unusual dress was, no doubt, arranged for the boy by his protector and guardian, Eli, who looked on the child as dest...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28-29. they built a city, and ... call the name of that city Dan--**It was in the northern extremity of the land, and hence the origin of the phrase, "from Dan to Beer-sheba."
Jud 18:30, 31. They Set Up Idolatry.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, The LORD give thee seed of this woman for the loan which is lent to the LORD. And they went unto their own home. loan: or, petition which she asked, etc
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eli's blessing on Elkanah and Hannah invokes divine compensation for their sacrifice. The phrase 'for the loan which is lent to the LORD' uses sha'al language from chapter 1, acknowledging Hannah's extraordinary dedication. Eli blesses them with more children - the one dedicated will be replaced many times over. The blessing formula 'The LORD give thee seed' invokes creation language, asking God t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20, 21) **And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife. . . . And the Lord visited Hannah.**—The blessing of Eli, a blessing which soon bore its fruit in the house of the pious couple,—his training of Samuel, and unswerving kindness to the boy (see following chapter),—his sorrow at his priestly sons’ wickedness,—his passionate love for his country, all indicate that the influence of the weak but loving h...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**28-29. they built a city, and ... call the name of that city Dan--**It was in the northern extremity of the land, and hence the origin of the phrase, "from Dan to Beer-sheba."
Jud 18:30, 31. They Set Up Idolatry.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →And the LORD visited Hannah, so that she conceived, and bare three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the LORD.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The LORD's 'visiting' (paqad) Hannah indicates purposeful divine attention bringing blessing. This verb previously described God remembering Hannah (1:19) and now marks repeated blessing. Hannah bears three more sons and two daughters - five additional children beyond Samuel. Her womb, once closed, now produces abundantly. Meanwhile, Samuel 'grew before the LORD,' physically maturing while spiritu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-31. the children of Dan set up the graven image--**Their distance secluded them from the rest of the Israelites, and doubtless this, which was their apology for not going to Shiloh, was the cause of perpetuating idolatry among them for many generations.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. assembled: Heb. assembled by troops
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eli's advanced age coincides with full awareness of his sons' wickedness. He 'heard all that his sons did' - not rumors but confirmed reports of their comprehensive corruption. Their sin extends beyond sanctuary abuse to sexual exploitation: 'they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle.' These women may have been worship attendants (Exodus 38:8) or simply faithful worshipe...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **Now Eli was very old.**—The compiler of these Books of Samuel was evidently wishful to speak as kindly as possible of Eli. He had, no doubt, deserved well of Israel in past days; and though it was clear that through his weak indulgence for his wicked sons, and his own lack of energy and foresight, he had brought discredit on the national sanctuary, and, in the end, defeat and shame on the p...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**30-31. the children of Dan set up the graven image--**Their distance secluded them from the rest of the Israelites, and doubtless this, which was their apology for not going to Shiloh, was the cause of perpetuating idolatry among them for many generations.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. of your: or, evil words of you
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eli's rebuke to his sons appears reasonable but proves ineffective. His question 'Why do ye such things?' seeks explanation rather than demanding cessation. The phrase 'I hear of your evil dealings by all this people' shows concern for reputation rather than holiness. Eli addresses their behavior's impact on public perception, not its offense against God. His approach is pastoral rather than proph...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the LORD'S people to transgress. transgress: or, cry out
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eli's continued appeal shows concern but inadequate response. His statement 'it is no good report that I hear' focuses on what people are saying. The phrase 'ye make the LORD'S people to transgress' identifies a crucial dynamic: corrupt leadership causes followers to sin. The Hebrew ta'avrim (cause to cross over, transgress) makes the priests responsible not only for their own sin but for others' ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) **Ye make the Lord’s people to transgress.**—The life led by the priests publicly in the sanctuary, with their evident scornful unbelief in the divinely established holy ordinances on the one hand, and their unblushing immorality on the other, corrupted the inner religious life of the whole people.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 19 Jud 19:1-15. A Levite Going to Bethlehem to Fetch His Wife.
**1. it came to pass in those days--**The painfully interesting episode that follows, together with the intestine commotion the report of it produced throughout the country, belongs to the same early period of anarchy and prevailing disorder.
**a certain Levite ... took to him a concubine--**The priests under the Mosaic law ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Eli's argument reaches its theological apex with a profound question: 'if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?' Sins between humans can find human judges and mediators. But sins directly against God leave no higher court of appeal. This rhetorical question answers itself: none can mediate between the sinner and the offended God - except, as the full canon reveals, the promised Me...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **Sin against the Lord.**—This touches on the mystery of sin. There are transgressions which may again and again receive pardon, but there seems to be a transgression beyond the limits of Divine forgiveness. The pitiful Redeemer, in no obscure language, told His listeners the same awful truth when He warned them of the sin against the Holy Ghost.
**They hearkened not . . . because the Lord wo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. his concubine ... went away from him unto her father's house--**The cause of the separation assigned in our version rendered it unlawful for her husband to take her back (De 24:4); and according to the uniform style of sentiment and practice in the East, she would have been put to death, had she gone to her father's family. Other versions concur with Josephus, in representing the reason for t...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Against the dark backdrop of Eli's failing house, Samuel's progress shines. He 'grew on' (literally 'was becoming great and becoming good') in both divine and human estimation. The phrase 'favour both with the LORD, and also with men' precisely parallels Luke's description of Jesus (Luke 2:52). Samuel becomes a type of Christ - growing in wisdom and stature, pleasing God while earning human respec...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **Grew on, and was in favour.**—The very expressions of the biographer of Samuel were adopted by St. Luke when, in the early chapters of his Gospel, he wishes to describe in a few striking words the boyhood and youth of Him who was far greater than the child-prophet of Israel.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-4. And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her--**Hebrew, "speak to her heart," in a kindly and affectionate manner, so as to rekindle her affection. Accompanied by a servant, he arrived at the house of his father-in-law, who rejoiced to meet him, in the hope that a complete reconciliation would be brought about between his daughter and her husband. The Levite, yieldi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 11-26**
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. El...
Read full commentary →Prophecy Against Eli's House
And there came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh's house?
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
An anonymous 'man of God' delivers prophetic judgment to Eli. His message begins with historical reminder: God revealed Himself to Eli's ancestors in Egypt, choosing them for priestly service. The rhetorical question expects an affirmative answer - yes, God had plainly appeared to Aaron's house. This historical foundation makes current failure inexcusable. Those with greater privilege bear greater...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(27) **There came a man of God.**—Of this messenger of the Highest, whom, from his peculiar title, and also from the character of his communication, we must regard as one of the order of prophets, we know nothing. He appears suddenly on the scene at Shiloh, nameless and—as far as we know—homeless, delivers his message of doom, and disappears.
The term “man of God” we find applied to Moses and to d...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-4. And her husband arose, and went after her, to speak friendly unto her--**Hebrew, "speak to her heart," in a kindly and affectionate manner, so as to rekindle her affection. Accompanied by a servant, he arrived at the house of his father-in-law, who rejoiced to meet him, in the hope that a complete reconciliation would be brought about between his daughter and her husband. The Levite, yieldi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to offer upon mine altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before me? and did I give unto the house of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The prophetic indictment continues recounting divine election and provision. God chose Aaron's line from all Israel for priestly service - an extraordinary privilege. The duties listed (offering on altar, burning incense, wearing ephod) represent the full range of priestly ministry. Additionally, God gave the fire offerings as priestly provision. Everything the priestly family enjoyed came from di...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel? . . .**—After such glorious privileges had been conferred on this favoured house, and such ample provision for all its wants had been made for it, it was indeed a crime of the blackest ingratitude that its leading members should pour dishonour on their invisible King and Benefactor.
**To wear an ephod before me.**—This included the privilege...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The indictment reaches its core accusation: 'honourest thy sons above me.' Eli's failure was not ignorance but misplaced loyalty. He valued his sons' comfort over God's honor. The verb 'kick' (ba'at) pictures stubborn resistance, like an animal refusing the yoke. The phrase 'to make yourselves fat' indicts both father and sons - Eli shared in the benefits of their corruption. His passive tolerance...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(29) **Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice.**—The imagery of the words are taken from Deuteronomy 32:15 : “Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked . . . then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.” The image is one drawn from the pastoral life of the people: the ox or ass over-fed, pampered, and indulged, becomes unmanageable, and refuses obedience to his kind master.
...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
God's response introduces a crucial principle: 'them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.' The original promise ('thy house...should walk before me for ever') was conditional on faithful obedience. Divine promises do not override human responsibility. The phrase 'Be it far from me' expresses God's revulsion at continuing to bless the disobedient. This v...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(30) **. . . but now the Lord saith, Be it far from me.**—But the fulfilment of the glorious and gracious promise which involved the walking of the favoured house for ever in the light of the Lord in the blessed courts of the sanctuary with no worldly cares—were they not amply provided for without sowing and reaping?—were they not invested with high honours and universal consideration?—was necessa...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →Behold, the days come, that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house, that there shall not be an old man in thine house.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The judgment oracle specifies consequences. 'Cutting off the arm' represents removal of strength and ability to serve. No 'old man' in the house means premature death across generations. The devastating phrase 'behold, the days come' introduces prophetic certainty - this is not threat but announcement of determined judgment. Eli's house will experience generational diminishment, watching descendan...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **I will cut off thine arm.**—“The arm” signifies power and strength: “Thy power and strength, and that of thy house is doomed.” (See for the figure Job 22:9; Psalm 37:17.)
**And there shall not be an old man in thine house.**—No one more in thy house, O High Priest, who hast so signally failed in thy solemn duty, shall attain *to *old age; sickness or the sword shall ever early consume its m...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. tarried--**with reluctance.
**until afternoon--**literally, "the decline of the day." People in the East, who take little or nothing to eat in the morning, do not breakfast till from ten to twelve A.M., and this meal the hospitable relative had purposely protracted to so late a period as to afford an argument for urging a further stay.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever. an enemy: or, the affliction of the tabernacle, for all the wealth which God would have given Israel
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The prophecy extends to sanctuary destruction: 'thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation.' Eli would witness the beginning of Shiloh's downfall - the Ark captured, his sons killed, the sanctuary eventually destroyed. 'In all the wealth which God shall give Israel' indicates that national prosperity would continue but Eli's house would be excluded. They would watch others blessed while they suffere...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(32) **And thou shalt see an enemy.**—Some—*e.g., *the Vulgate—understand by enemy a “rival”: thou shalt see thy rival in the Temple. The words, however, point to something which Eli would live to see with grief and horror. The reference is no doubt to the capture of the Ark by the Philistines in the battle where his sons were slain. The earthly habitation of the Eternal was there robbed of its gl...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. the day draweth toward evening--**Hebrew, "the pitching time of day." Travellers who set out at daybreak usually halt about the middle of the afternoon the first day, to enjoy rest and refreshment. It was, then, too late a time to commence a journey. But duty, perhaps, obliged the Levite to indulge no further delay.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age. in the flower: Heb. men
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
One survivor will remain - not for blessing but for 'consuming eyes and grieving heart.' This descendant will live in misery, watching the house's decline while unable to prevent it. The phrase 'all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age' pictures young men cut down before their prime. This surviving witness becomes a perpetual reminder of judgment, living testimony to th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **To consume thine eyes and to grieve thine heart.**—The *Speaker’s Commentary *well refers to 1Samuel 2:36 for an explanation of these difficult words. “Those who are not cut off in the flower of their youth shall be worse off than those who are, for they shall have to beg their bread.”
**And all the increase of thine house shall die.**—In the Babylonian Talmud the Rabbis have related that t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. the man ... departed, and came over against Jebus--**The note, "which is Jerusalem," must have been inserted by Ezra or some later hand. Jebus being still, though not entirely (Jud 1:8) in the possession of the old inhabitants, the Levite resisted the advice of his attendant to enter it and determined rather to press forward to pass the night in Gibeah, which he knew was occupied by Israe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →And this shall be a sign unto thee, that shall come upon thy two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas; in one day they shall die both of them.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
A confirming sign seals the prophecy: Hophni and Phinehas will die on the same day. This near-term fulfillment validates the entire prophetic message. When the sign comes true (chapter 4), Eli can know the extended prophecy will also be fulfilled. The doubling of death - both sons together - emphasizes divine judgment rather than coincidence. Signs in prophetic literature serve to authenticate the...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **In one day they shall die both of them.**—See for a literal fulfilment the recital in 1Samuel 4:11. This foreshadowing of terrible calamity which was to befal Israel was to be a sign to Eli that all the awful predictions concerning the fate of his doomed house would be carried out to the bitter end.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. the man ... departed, and came over against Jebus--**The note, "which is Jerusalem," must have been inserted by Ezra or some later hand. Jebus being still, though not entirely (Jud 1:8) in the possession of the old inhabitants, the Levite resisted the advice of his attendant to enter it and determined rather to press forward to pass the night in Gibeah, which he knew was occupied by Israe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →And I will raise me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in mine heart and in my mind: and I will build him a sure house; and he shall walk before mine anointed for ever.
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Amid judgment comes promise: God will raise 'a faithful priest' who acts according to God's heart and mind. This priest will have a 'sure house' (contrasting Eli's doomed house) and will walk before God's anointed forever. Immediate reference is to Samuel and then to Zadok, whose line served through Solomon's temple. But the ultimate fulfillment is Christ, the faithful High Priest whose house endu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(35) **A faithful priest.**—Who here is alluded to by this *“*faithful priest,” of whom such a noble life was predicted, and to whom such a glorious promise as that “he should walk before mine anointed for ever,” was made? Many of the conditions are fairly fulfilled by Samuel, to whom naturally our thoughts at once turn. He occupies a foremost place in the long Jewish story, and immediately succee...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10-12. the man ... departed, and came over against Jebus--**The note, "which is Jerusalem," must have been inserted by Ezra or some later hand. Jebus being still, though not entirely (Jud 1:8) in the possession of the old inhabitants, the Levite resisted the advice of his attendant to enter it and determined rather to press forward to pass the night in Gibeah, which he knew was occupied by Israe...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left in thine house shall come and crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread, and shall say, Put me, I pray thee, into one of the priests' offices, that I may eat a piece of bread. Put: Heb. Join one of: or, somewhat about the priesthood
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The final verse pictures total reversal. Those who once wielded priestly power will beg for the most menial religious positions - just for bread to eat. The phrase 'crouch to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread' describes desperate pleading. The former elite become suppliants. Their request to be placed in 'one of the priests' offices' shows desire to cling to any religious role. The c...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**13. in Gibeah, or in Ramah--**The first of these places was five miles northeast, the other from four to five north of Jerusalem.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 27-36**
Those who allow their children in any evil way, and do not use their authority to restrain and punish them, in effect honour them more than God. Let Eli's example excite parents earnestly to strive against the beginnings of wickedness, and to train up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. In the midst of the sentence against the house of Eli, mercy is promi...
Read full commentary →