1 Samuel 2:22-4:22

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Samuel 2:11-26

In these verses we have the good character and posture of Elkanah's family, and the bad character and posture of Eli's family. The account of these two is observably interwoven throughout this whole paragraph, as if the historian intended to set the one over against the other, that they might set off one another. The devotion and good order of Elkanah's family aggravated the iniquity of Eli's house; while the wickedness of Eli's sons made Samuel's early piety appear the more bright and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 2:22

Now Eli was very old ,.... It is very probable he was now about ninety years of age, since when he died he was ninety eight, 1 Samuel 4:15 which is observed to show his incapacity for the discharge of his office, and inspection into public affairs; which gave his sons opportunity of acting the wicked part they did without reproof, and with impunity, Eli knowing nothing of it; and accounts in some measure for the gentle reproof he gave them, when he did know of it; for being old, he was not... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 2:22

They lay with the women that assembled - It is probable that these were persons who had some employment about the tabernacle. See the note on Exodus 38:8 , where the Hebrew text is similar to that in this place. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 2:22

Eli … heard all that his sons did . To the profanity and greed described in 1 Samuel 2:12-17 the sons of Eli added unchastity; and their sin was the greater because the women whom they corrupted were those dedicated to religious service (see Exodus 38:8 ). The order of ministering women instituted by Moses probably lasted down to the destruction of the temple, and Anna may have belonged to it ( Luke 2:37 ); afterwards it appeared again in a more spiritual form in the widows and... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - 1 Samuel 2:22-26

Abandoned. The facts are— 1 . Eli in advancing years hears of the abominable deeds of his sons. 2 . He remonstrates with them, pointing out the con sequences of their conduct. 3 . Heedless of the warning, they persist in sin, being abandoned by God. The narrative of the sacred historian seems to take in two extremes—two elements working on in moral antagonism till the one passes away and the other becomes ascendant. The abominations and profanations of Eli's sons, and Samuel's... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 1 Samuel 2:22

Women that assembled - Or, “Served.” See the marginal reference and note. Probably such service as consisted in doing certain work for the fabric of the tabernacle as women are accustomed to do, spinning, knitting, embroidering, mending, washing, and such like. read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Samuel 2:22

1 Samuel 2:22. Now Eli was very old And therefore unfit either to manage his office himself, or to make a diligent inspection into the carriage of his sons, which gave them opportunity for their wickedness. All that his sons did to Israel Whom they injured in their offerings, and alienated from the service of God. At the door of the tabernacle The place where all the people, both men and women, waited when they came up to the service of God, because the altar on which their sacrifices... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Samuel 2:12-36

Judgment on the family of Eli (2:12-3:18)Eli the priest had become the judge, or chief administrator, in Israel. He sat at the door of the house of God where people could freely meet him to seek his advice or ask for directions in disputes (see 1:9; 4:18). His sons, it seems, carried out the routine work in connection with the sacrifices and ceremonies.According to the Levitical law, the portion of the sacrifice that was for God had to be burnt on the altar first, after which the priest and the... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Samuel 2:22

door = entrance. tabernacle = tent of meeting. read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Samuel 2:22

ELI WAS UNWILLING OR UNABLE TO CORRECT HIS SONS"Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. And he said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people. No, my sons; it is no good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading about. If a man sins against a man, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who can... read more

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