◄ 1 Samuel 2:30 ►
Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: 'I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
Study Bible
Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares
This phrase establishes the authority and sovereignty of God. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the personal name of God, emphasizing His covenant relationship with Israel. "The God of Israel" underscores His unique relationship with His chosen people, Israel. This declaration is not merely a statement but a divine pronouncement, carrying the weight of God's ultimate authority and truth.

I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever
The phrase "I did indeed say" reflects God's previous promise to Eli's house, rooted in the covenantal language. "Your house and the house of your father" refers to the priestly lineage of Eli, tracing back to Aaron. "Walk before Me" is a Hebraic expression denoting a life lived in faithful service and obedience to God. The word "forever" (Hebrew: "olam") often signifies an indefinite, enduring period, contingent on covenant faithfulness.

But now the LORD declares
This marks a pivotal shift in the narrative. The repetition of "the LORD declares" emphasizes the seriousness and finality of God's pronouncement. It indicates a change in divine intention due to human actions, highlighting the conditional nature of God's promises based on obedience and faithfulness.

Far be it from Me!
This expression is a strong Hebraic idiom, "chalilah li," indicating a rejection or renunciation of a previous intention. It underscores God's holiness and justice, affirming that He cannot be associated with unfaithfulness or sin.

For those who honor Me I will honor
The word "honor" (Hebrew: "kabad") means to give weight or significance. This principle reflects a reciprocal relationship between God and His people. Those who give God the reverence and obedience He deserves will, in turn, receive His favor and blessing. It is a timeless truth that underscores the importance of living a life that glorifies God.

but those who despise Me will be disdained
"Despise" (Hebrew: "bazah") means to hold in contempt or to treat as worthless. This phrase serves as a solemn warning. To despise God is to reject His authority and commandments, leading to divine disfavor. "Disdained" (Hebrew: "qalal") means to be lightly esteemed or cursed. This reflects the biblical principle of sowing and reaping, where one's attitude towards God determines their standing before Him.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking and making a declaration about His standards of honor and disdain.

2. Eli
The high priest of Israel at the time, whose family is being addressed due to their failure to honor God.

3. Eli's House
Refers to Eli's descendants, who were initially promised a lasting priesthood but are now facing judgment due to their dishonor.

4. Israel
The nation chosen by God, within which the priesthood was established to lead in worship and obedience to God.

5. Shiloh
The location where the tabernacle was situated during Eli's time, serving as the center of worship in Israel.
Teaching Points
The Principle of Honor
God values honor and promises to reciprocate it. Our relationship with God should be marked by a deep respect and reverence for His holiness and authority.

Consequences of Disdain
Disdaining God leads to being disdained by Him. This serves as a warning to maintain a heart posture of humility and reverence.

Faithfulness in Leadership
Eli's failure as a leader highlights the importance of faithfulness and integrity in positions of spiritual leadership.

Generational Impact
The actions of one generation can affect the next. Eli's household faced consequences due to their collective failure to honor God.

God's Sovereignty and Justice
God's declaration shows His sovereign right to alter promises based on human response, emphasizing His justice and righteousness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of honor in 1 Samuel 2:30 relate to the way we honor God in our daily lives?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are honoring God in our roles and responsibilities, both in the church and in the world?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced the consequences of either honoring or dishonoring God. What did you learn from that experience?

4. How can the account of Eli and his household serve as a warning and a lesson for spiritual leaders today?

5. What steps can you take to ensure that your actions positively impact future generations in terms of honoring God?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 20:12
The commandment to honor one's father and mother, which reflects the broader biblical principle of honoring those in authority, including God.

Proverbs 3:9
Encourages honoring the LORD with one's wealth, illustrating the broader principle of honoring God with all aspects of life.

Malachi 1:6
God questions the honor due to Him as a Father and Master, paralleling the theme of honor in 1 Samuel 2:30.

Matthew 10:32-33
Jesus speaks about acknowledging Him before others, which ties into the theme of honoring God and the consequences of failing to do so.

Hebrews 12:28-29
Encourages believers to worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, reinforcing the call to honor God.
Sermons
Divinely ApprovedD. Macaulay, M. A.1 Samuel 2:30
God Honouring the RighteousT. Myers, M. A.1 Samuel 2:30
Honour and DishonourB. Dale 1 Samuel 2:30
Honour and ShameH. Alford, B. D.1 Samuel 2:30
Honour from GodJ. Jortin, M. A.1 Samuel 2:30
Honouring GodJohn Williams, D. D.1 Samuel 2:30
Honouring GodBishop Hackett.1 Samuel 2:30
Man Honouring God and God Honouring ManHomilist1 Samuel 2:30
Office Nothing Without CharacterD. Fraser 1 Samuel 2:30
The Duty and Reward of Honouring GodOriginal Secession Magazine1 Samuel 2:30
The Reward of Honouring GodI. Barrow, D. D.1 Samuel 2:30
The Right Way of Honouring GodBishop Stillingfleet.1 Samuel 2:30
The Road to HonourSpurgeon, Charles Haddon1 Samuel 2:30
The Service of God the Only True DignityJ. Gibson, M. A.1 Samuel 2:30
A Message of Approaching JudgmentB. Dale 1 Samuel 2:27-36
People
Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, Samuel
Places
Egypt, Ramah, Shiloh
Topics
Affirmation, Age, Certainly, Declares, Despise, Despising, Disdained, Esteemed, Family, Father's, Forever, Honor, Honour, Honoured, Honouring, Indeed, Lightly, Me-for, Minister, Promised, Reason, Respect, Says, Truly, Value, Walk, Wherefore
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 2:30

     5878   honour
     8369   worthiness

1 Samuel 2:27-30

     8444   honouring God

1 Samuel 2:27-36

     5340   house
     5686   fathers, examples

1 Samuel 2:29-30

     8741   failure

Library
The Child Prophet
'And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 8. And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4. That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5. And he ran onto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Reverence in Worship.
"Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."--1 Samuel ii. 18. Samuel, viewed in his place in sacred history, that is, in the course of events which connect Moses with Christ, appears as a great ruler and teacher of his people; this is his prominent character. He was the first of the prophets; yet, when we read the sacred narrative itself, in which his life is set before us, I suppose those passages are the more striking and impressive which represent him, in …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VIII

The Knowledge of God
'The Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed.' I Sam 2:2. Glorious things are spoken of God; he transcends our thoughts, and the praises of angels. God's glory lies chiefly in his attributes, which are the several beams by which the divine nature shines forth. Among other of his orient excellencies, this is not the least, The Lord is a God of knowledge; or as the Hebrew word is, A God of knowledges.' Through the bright mirror of his own essence, he has a full idea and cognisance …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Though the Fore-Mentioned Eternal Moral Obligations
are incumbent indeed on all rational creatures, antecedent to any respect of particular reward or punishment, yet they must certainly and necessarily be attended with rewards and punishments: Because the same reasons, which prove God himself to be necessarily just and good, and the rules of justice, equity, and goodness, to be his unalterable will, law, and command, to all created beings; prove also that he cannot but be pleased with and approve such creatures as imitate and obey him by observing …
Samuel Clarke—A Discourse Concerning the Being and Attributes of God

Letter xxix. To Marcella.
An explanation of the Hebrew words Ephod bad (1 Sam. ii. 18) and Teraphim (Judges xvii. 5). Written at Rome to Marcella, also at Rome a.d. 384. …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

A Private Enquiry
"What is the thing that the Lord hath said unto thee?"--1 Samuel 3:17. THE Lord would not speak directly to Eli, although he was the High Priest. In ordinary circumstances it would have been so; but Eli had grieved the Lord, and thus had lost his honorable standing. God had not cast him off; but he viewed him with such displeasure that he would only speak to him through another person: even as great kings, if they are offended with their courtiers, send them messages by other hands. The Lord sent, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 37: 1891

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
Whatever attainment is made by any as distinguished from the wicked, or whatever gracious benefit is enjoyed, is a spiritual privilege. Adoption into the family of God is of this character. "He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power (margin, or, the right; or, privilege) to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name."[617] And every co-ordinate benefit is essentially so likewise. The evidence besides, that Covenanting …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting

The Mystery
Of the Woman dwelling in the Wilderness. The woman delivered of a child, when the dragon was overcome, from thenceforth dwelt in the wilderness, by which is figured the state of the Church, liberated from Pagan tyranny, to the time of the seventh trumpet, and the second Advent of Christ, by the type, not of a latent, invisible, but, as it were, an intermediate condition, like that of the lsraelitish Church journeying in the wilderness, from its departure from Egypt, to its entrance into the land …
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory.
Who is like unto Thee, O Lord! among the gods? Who is like unto Thee, glorious in holiness, Fearful in praises, doing wonders? Thou in Thy mercy hast led Thy people which Thou hast redeemed: Thou hast guided them in Thy strength to the habitation of Thy holiness ... The holy place, O Lord, which Thy hands have established.' --Ex. xv. 11-17. In these words we have another step in advance in the revelation of Holiness. We have here for the first time Holiness predicated of God Himself. He …
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Sanctification.
VI. Objections answered. I will consider those passages of scripture which are by some supposed to contradict the doctrine we have been considering. 1 Kings viii. 46: "If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near," etc. On this passage, I remark:-- 1. That this sentiment in nearly the same language, is repeated in 2 Chron. vi. 26, and in Eccl. …
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity.
Text: Ephesians 4, 1-6. 1 I, therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beseech you to walk worthily of the calling wherewith ye were called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 giving diligence to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all. …
Martin Luther—Epistle Sermons, Vol. III

The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World
The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon then hath the light shined. C ontrasts are suited to illustrate and strengthen the impression of each other. The happiness of those, who by faith in MESSIAH, are brought into a state of peace, liberty, and comfort, is greatly enhanced and heightened by the consideration of that previous state of misery in which they once lived, and of the greater misery to which they were justly exposed. …
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 1

Entire Sanctification
By Dr. Adam Clarke The word "sanctify" has two meanings. 1. It signifies to consecrate, to separate from earth and common use, and to devote or dedicate to God and his service. 2. It signifies to make holy or pure. Many talk much, and indeed well, of what Christ has done for us: but how little is spoken of what he is to do in us! and yet all that he has done for us is in reference to what he is to do in us. He was incarnated, suffered, died, and rose again from the dead; ascended to heaven, and there …
Adam Clarke—Entire Sanctification

The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel
In order accurately to understand the position of woman in Israel, it is only necessary carefully to peruse the New Testament. The picture of social life there presented gives a full view of the place which she held in private and in public life. Here we do not find that separation, so common among Orientals at all times, but a woman mingles freely with others both at home and abroad. So far from suffering under social inferiority, she takes influential and often leading part in all movements, specially …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C.
TIGLATH-PILESER III. AND THE ORGANISATION OF THE ASSYRIAN EMPIRE FROM 745 to 722 B.C. FAILURE OF URARTU AND RE-CONQUEST Of SYRIA--EGYPT AGAIN UNITED UNDER ETHIOPIAN AUSPICES--PIONKHI--THE DOWNFALL OF DAMASCUS, OF BABYLON, AND OF ISRAEL. Assyria and its neighbours at the accession of Tiglath-pileser III.: progress of the Aramaeans in the basin of the Middle Tigris--Urartu and its expansion into the north of Syria--Damascus and Israel--Vengeance of Israel on Damascus--Jeroboam II.--Civilisation …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 7

Samuel
Alike from the literary and the historical point of view, the book[1] of Samuel stands midway between the book of Judges and the book of Kings. As we have already seen, the Deuteronomic book of Judges in all probability ran into Samuel and ended in ch. xii.; while the story of David, begun in Samuel, embraces the first two chapters of the first book of Kings. The book of Samuel is not very happily named, as much of it is devoted to Saul and the greater part to David; yet it is not altogether inappropriate, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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