1 Samuel 2:26 NIV

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 2:26

And the child Samuel grew up ,.... Increased in stature and in grace, grew more and more in all respects, and better and better, while Eli's sons grew worse and worse; the contrast between these make the one to shine and appear illustrious, and the other to look the blacker: or "he went on, and grew, and was good" F26 הלך וגדל וטוב "ambulans, et grandescens et bonus", Montanus; so Vatablus & Drusius. ; as he proceeded on in years, and grew in stature, he appeared more 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 2:26

And the child Samuel ... - The account of our Lord’s growth Luke 2:52 is very similar; “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” The literal version of the passage before us is, “The child Samuel advanced and grew and was good (or acceptable), both with the Lord, and also with men.” 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

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Samuel 2:26

SAMUEL'S DEVELOPMENT"Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men."This verse is very like Luke 2:52, where almost the same declarations are made concerning our Lord Jesus Christ. Including increasing in wisdom, this four-fold development is the ideal for everyone. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 2:11-36

B. The Contrast between Samuel and Eli’s Sons 2:11-36Samuel’s innocence and the godlessness of Eli’s sons contrast strongly in this pericope (section of text). Samuel would succeed and become a channel of God’s blessing. Eli’s sons would fail, would become a source of frustration to Eli and the Israelites, and would ultimately perish."The section [1 Samuel 2:11 to 1 Samuel 4:1] poignantly illustrates the theme of ’Hannah’s Song’ as it is epitomized in 1 Samuel 2:7 b, ’he brings low, and also... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Samuel 2:22-26

3. Eli’s lack of influence on his sons and its effect 2:22-26The sons of Eli followed the example of Canaanite worship rather than the instruction of the Mosaic Law. Ritual prostitution was part of Canaanite worship, and Eli’s sons seem to have adopted this custom. [Note: Merrill, "1 Samuel," p. 207.] Even when their father confronted them with their sin, Eli’s sons refused to repent. Frequently old men demonstrate wisdom, but Eli was not wise enough to restrain the sinful behavior of his... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Samuel 2:1-36

Hannah’s Song of Thanksgiving. The Sin of Eli’s Sons1-10. The Song of Hannah.This beautiful poem has been well called the ’Magnificat of the Old Testament.’ The song of the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46-55) is clearly modelled on it very closely. In each case there is the rejoicing over the exaltation of the poor and despised and the humiliation of the rich. But there is a world of difference between Mary’s quiet and restrained gratitude and calm confidence in God’s mercy, on the one hand, and the... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Samuel 2:11-36

(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. read more