1 Samuel 2:31
Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your strength and the strength of your father's house, so that no older man will be left in your house.
Behold
The Hebrew word for "behold" is "הִנֵּה" (hinneh), which serves as an attention-grabbing term, urging the listener to pay close attention to the forthcoming divine pronouncement. It is often used in prophetic literature to signal the importance and certainty of what follows. In this context, it underscores the seriousness of God's impending judgment on Eli's house.

the days are coming
This phrase is a common prophetic expression in the Hebrew Bible, indicating an assured future event. It suggests an imminent fulfillment of God's word, emphasizing the certainty and inevitability of the prophecy. Historically, this points to a time when the priestly line of Eli would face divine retribution due to their unfaithfulness.

when I will cut off your strength
The Hebrew word for "strength" here is "זְרוֹעַ" (zeroa), which can also mean "arm" or "power." This metaphorical use indicates the removal of power, influence, or ability. In the context of Eli's family, it signifies the end of their priestly authority and influence in Israel, a direct consequence of their disobedience and corruption.

and the strength of your father’s house
This phrase extends the judgment beyond Eli to his entire lineage, indicating a comprehensive divine action against the family. The "father's house" refers to the ancestral line, suggesting that the consequences of sin can affect multiple generations. This reflects the biblical principle of corporate responsibility and the lasting impact of one's actions on their descendants.

so that no one in your house will reach old age
The absence of old age signifies a premature end to life, which in ancient Israelite culture was seen as a sign of divine disfavor. Longevity was often associated with God's blessing, so the lack of it implies a curse. This part of the prophecy highlights the severity of God's judgment, as the natural expectation of a full life is denied to Eli's descendants due to their unfaithfulness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Eli
The high priest of Israel during the time of Samuel's birth. He is a central figure in this passage as the prophecy is directed towards him and his household.

2. Hophni and Phinehas
Eli's sons, who were priests but acted wickedly, leading to God's judgment on Eli's house.

3. Shiloh
The religious center of Israel at the time, where the tabernacle was located and where Eli served as priest.

4. The Man of God
An unnamed prophet who delivers God's message of judgment to Eli regarding the future of his family.

5. The House of Eli
Refers to Eli's lineage, which is under judgment due to the sins of Eli's sons and Eli's failure to restrain them.
Teaching Points
The Consequences of Sin
The passage highlights the serious consequences of sin, especially for those in spiritual leadership. Eli's failure to discipline his sons led to a generational curse on his family.

God's Justice
God's judgment on Eli's house demonstrates His commitment to justice and righteousness. He holds leaders accountable for their actions and the actions of those under their authority.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Spiritual leaders are called to uphold God's standards and lead by example. Eli's account serves as a warning to maintain integrity and discipline within one's household.

Generational Impact
The sins of one generation can affect future generations. This underscores the importance of living a life that honors God and sets a positive example for descendants.

Repentance and Change
While the prophecy against Eli's house was severe, it serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and change to avert God's judgment.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the prophecy against Eli's house in 1 Samuel 2:31 reflect the principle of sowing and reaping found throughout Scripture?

2. In what ways can spiritual leaders today learn from Eli's failure to discipline his sons, and how can they apply these lessons in their own leadership?

3. How does the concept of generational consequences of sin, as seen in Eli's account, challenge us to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations?

4. What steps can individuals take to ensure they are living in a way that honors God and avoids the pitfalls of Eli's household?

5. How does the removal of Eli's lineage from the priesthood in 1 Kings 2:27 serve as a fulfillment of God's prophecy, and what does this teach us about the certainty of God's word?
Connections to Other Scriptures
1 Samuel 3:11-14
This passage further elaborates on the judgment pronounced against Eli's house, confirming the prophecy given in 1 Samuel 2:31.

Exodus 20:5
This verse speaks to the generational consequences of sin, which is relevant to the judgment on Eli's house.

1 Kings 2:27
This verse describes the fulfillment of the prophecy against Eli's house when Solomon removes Abiathar from the priesthood, ending Eli's lineage in that role.
A Message of Approaching JudgmentB. Dale 1 Samuel 2:27-36
Judgment Upon a False PriesthoodT. Carlyle.1 Samuel 2:31-34
People
Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, Samuel
Places
Egypt, Ramah, Shiloh
Topics
Arm, Behold, Break, Cut, Family, Father's, Line, Short, Strength
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Samuel 2:27-36

     5340   house
     5686   fathers, examples

1 Samuel 2:31-32

     5681   family, nature of

1 Samuel 2:31-33

     5726   old age, attainment

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

Links
1 Samuel 2:31 NIV
1 Samuel 2:31 NLT
1 Samuel 2:31 ESV
1 Samuel 2:31 NASB
1 Samuel 2:31 KJV

1 Samuel 2:31 Commentaries

Bible Hub
1 Samuel 2:30
Top of Page
Top of Page