And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altar, your eyes will fail and your heart will grieve. All your descendants will die by the sword of men. And every one of you that I do not cut off from My altarThe phrase "cut off" in Hebrew is "karath," which often implies a severe form of judgment or separation. In the context of the priestly line of Eli, this signifies a divine judgment against those who have been unfaithful to their sacred duties. The "altar" represents the place of sacrifice and worship, central to Israel's covenant relationship with God. Historically, the altar was where priests mediated between God and the people, and being cut off from it meant losing one's role and standing before God. This phrase underscores the seriousness of the priestly office and the consequences of failing to honor it. will be spared only to blind your eyes with tears and grieve your heart and all your descendants will die by the sword of men Persons / Places / Events 1. EliThe high priest of Israel during the time of Samuel's birth. His family is the subject of God's judgment due to the sins of his sons. 2. Hophni and Phinehas Eli's sons, who were priests but acted wickedly, leading to God's pronouncement of judgment on Eli's house. 3. Shiloh The religious center of Israel at the time, where the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant were located, and where Eli served as priest. 4. The Altar Represents the place of sacrifice and worship in the tabernacle, central to the priestly duties that Eli's family was supposed to uphold. 5. God's Judgment The divine pronouncement against Eli's house due to their unfaithfulness and corruption in their priestly duties. Teaching Points The Seriousness of Sin in LeadershipLeaders, especially spiritual ones, are held to a high standard. Eli's failure to restrain his sons led to severe consequences for his family and serves as a warning to all in positions of authority. The Consequences of Disobedience Disobedience to God's commands, especially in sacred duties, leads to judgment. This passage reminds us of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in our service to God. God's Justice and Mercy While God's judgment is severe, it is also just. The sparing of some descendants, though they would experience grief, shows that God's mercy is present even in judgment. The Impact of Sin on Future Generations The sins of one generation can affect the next. This passage encourages us to consider the legacy we leave behind and strive to live righteously. The Importance of Repentance and Correction Eli's account underscores the need for repentance and correction. Ignoring sin leads to greater consequences, while addressing it can lead to restoration. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the judgment on Eli's house reflect the seriousness with which God views the role of spiritual leadership?2. In what ways can the account of Eli and his sons serve as a warning to us about the consequences of ignoring sin in our lives? 3. How does the concept of God's justice and mercy manifest in this passage, and how can we apply this understanding to our own lives? 4. What steps can we take to ensure that our actions today positively impact future generations, in light of the consequences faced by Eli's descendants? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Eli's failure to our own roles and responsibilities, whether in leadership or in everyday life? Connections to Other Scriptures 1 Samuel 3:11-14This passage further elaborates on the judgment against Eli's house, emphasizing the certainty and severity of God's decree. Leviticus 10:1-3 The account of Nadab and Abihu, who were also judged for offering unauthorized fire, highlighting the seriousness of priestly duties and God's holiness. Hebrews 10:26-31 Discusses the consequences of willful sin after receiving the knowledge of the truth, paralleling the fate of Eli's house with the New Testament understanding of judgment.
People Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, SamuelPlaces Egypt, Ramah, ShilohTopics Age, Altar, Blind, Cause, Consume, Cut, Dark, Descendants, Die, Fail, Family, Flower, Grief, Grieve, Heart, Increase, Languish, Offspring, Prime, Soul, Spared, Sword, Tears, Vigour, Weep, Weeping, Yet, YoursDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 2:33 5134 blindness, natural 5340 house 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. The Knowledge of God Though the Fore-Mentioned Eternal Moral Obligations Letter xxix. To Marcella. A Private Enquiry Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. The Mystery Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. Sanctification. Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity. The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World Entire Sanctification The Holiness of God Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 2:33 NIV1 Samuel 2:33 NLT 1 Samuel 2:33 ESV 1 Samuel 2:33 NASB 1 Samuel 2:33 KJV 1 Samuel 2:33 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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