Now Eli was very oldEli's advanced age is significant in the narrative, highlighting his long tenure as a judge and priest in Israel. His age suggests a lifetime of service, yet it also implies a potential decline in his ability to effectively manage his responsibilities, particularly concerning his sons. In biblical culture, age was often associated with wisdom and respect, yet here it underscores Eli's inability to control his household, a critical failure for a leader in Israel.
and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel
Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were priests who abused their positions, committing acts that were not only sinful but also detrimental to the spiritual well-being of the nation. Their actions included taking more than their share of the sacrifices (1 Samuel 2:12-17), which was a direct violation of the Levitical laws. This phrase indicates that their misconduct was widely known, affecting the entire community of Israel and leading to a loss of respect for the priesthood.
and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting
This behavior was a grave sin, as it involved sexual immorality and the desecration of a sacred space. The women mentioned were likely part of a group dedicated to serving at the Tabernacle, similar to the women who served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting inExodus 38:8. The actions of Eli's sons were not only a personal moral failing but also a corruption of the religious practices of Israel, drawing parallels to the pagan practices of surrounding nations. This behavior foreshadows the eventual downfall of Eli's house, as prophesied by the man of God in1 Samuel 2:27-36. The corruption of the priesthood here contrasts with the purity and faithfulness expected of God's servants, pointing to the need for a righteous priest, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who serves as our perfect High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
EliThe high priest of Israel at the time, Eli was responsible for the spiritual leadership of the nation. He was an elderly man who had served for many years but was facing challenges due to his sons' behavior.
2.
Eli's Sons (Hophni and Phinehas)They were priests who served under their father Eli. Their actions were corrupt and sinful, as they abused their priestly positions for personal gain and engaged in immoral behavior.
3.
The Tent of MeetingThis was a sacred place where the Israelites would come to worship and offer sacrifices to God. It was a central location for religious activities and symbolized God's presence among His people.
4.
The Women at the Tent of MeetingThese women were likely serving in some capacity at the Tent of Meeting, possibly assisting with the maintenance or rituals. The sons of Eli were committing sexual immorality with them, which was a grave sin.
5.
IsraelThe nation of God's chosen people, who were affected by the actions of Eli's sons. Their behavior was causing a spiritual decline and leading the people away from true worship.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Spiritual LeadershipEli's failure to discipline his sons highlights the critical role of spiritual leaders in guiding and correcting those under their care. Leaders must uphold God's standards and address sin within their sphere of influence.
The Consequences of SinThe actions of Eli's sons had far-reaching effects, not only on their own lives but also on the entire nation of Israel. Sin, especially among leaders, can lead to widespread spiritual decline.
The Sanctity of WorshipThe Tent of Meeting was a holy place, and the defilement by Eli's sons serves as a reminder of the need to approach God with reverence and purity. Worship should be conducted in a manner that honors God.
Parental ResponsibilityEli's account underscores the responsibility of parents to guide their children in the ways of the Lord. Neglecting this duty can lead to devastating consequences for both the family and the community.
God's Justice and MercyWhile God is patient, He is also just. Eli's account shows that God will eventually address sin and hold individuals accountable, but He also offers opportunities for repentance and change.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Samuel 2:22?
2.How does Eli's response in 1 Samuel 2:22 reflect his leadership failures?
3.What lessons can we learn from Eli's inaction regarding his sons' sins?
4.How does 1 Samuel 2:22 connect with God's call for holiness in leadership?
5.How can we ensure accountability in our spiritual communities today?
6.What steps can parents take to guide children in godly living?
7.Why did Eli fail to restrain his sons' sinful behavior in 1 Samuel 2:22?
8.How does 1 Samuel 2:22 reflect on the accountability of spiritual leaders?
9.What does 1 Samuel 2:22 reveal about the consequences of ignoring God's commands?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Samuel 2?
11.1 Samuel 2:25 suggests the Lord intended to kill Eli’s sons—how does this reconcile with the concept of a merciful, forgiving deity?
12.In 1 Samuel 2:30–36, God pronounces judgment on Eli’s family—does this contradict later scriptural teachings on individual accountability (e.g., Ezekiel 18)?
13.Psalm 142:4 shows David claiming no one cares for him--how does this reconcile with 1 Samuel 22:2, where he has loyal followers?
14.Who incited David to count the fighting men of Israel? God did (2 Samuel 24: 1) Satan did (I Chronicles 2 1:1)What Does 1 Samuel 2:22 Mean
Now Eli was very old• Eli’s advanced age marks a season when a priest should model wisdom and vigilance, yet1 Samuel 4:15 records that “Eli was ninety–eight years old” and had grown physically weak.
• Age never releases God’s servants from accountability;Deuteronomy 34:7 notes that Moses remained faithful “though his eyes were not weak nor his strength gone.”
• Eli’s longevity highlights the contrast between his prolonged tenure and his sons’ short–sighted sin.
He heard about everything• Eli’s knowledge was secondhand; he “heard” rather than witnessed. His distance from daily temple activity mirrors the warning ofProverbs 29:15 that a child “left to himself brings disgrace.”
• Responsibility isn’t lessened by indirect awareness—seeEzekiel 33:6, where a watchman who hears danger must act.
• By merely hearing, Eli illustratesJames 1:22—he listened but failed to “be a doer.”
His sons were doing to all Israel• The phrase shows national impact. Priestly misconduct was not private; it polluted worship for “all Israel” (compareMalachi 2:8, “You have caused many to stumble by your instruction”).
•1 Samuel 2:12 already labeled Hophni and Phinehas “worthless men.” Their abuse of sacrificial portions (2:16) and of worshipers’ trust compromised the people’s relationship with God.
• Leaders’ sin always spills onto those they serve;Luke 17:1 warns, “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come.”
They were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting• Sexual immorality in sacred space grossly violated God’s law.Leviticus 15:31 commands keeping the sanctuary free from impurity, and1 Corinthians 6:18 repeats, “Flee from sexual immorality.”
• The women likely helped with ceremonial tasks (Exodus 38:8 mentions those who “served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting”). Exploiting them echoed the pagan fertility rites Israel was to reject (Deuteronomy 23:17).
• Such defilement provoked God’s swift judgment:1 Samuel 4:10–11 records the deaths of Hophni and Phinehas, fulfilling the warning of 2:34.
summaryEli’s age did not excuse his failure to restrain his sons. Hearing of their actions obligated him to intervene for the sake of all Israel’s worship. Hophni and Phinehas turned the holy place into a venue for self–indulgence, corrupting sacrifice and sexuality alike. Their sin underscores that leaders influence everyone under their care and that God will act decisively when His sanctuary is profaned.
(22)
Now Eli was very old.--The compiler of these Books of Samuel was evidently wishful to speak as kindly as possible of Eli. He had, no doubt, deserved well of Israel in past days; and though it was clear that through his weak indulgence for his wicked sons, and his own lack of energy and foresight, he had brought discredit on the national sanctuary, and, in the end, defeat and shame on the people, yet the compiler evidently loved to dwell on the brightest side of the old high priest's character--his piety, his generous love for Samuel, his patriotism, &c.; and here, where the shameful conduct of Hophni and Phinehas is dwelt on, an excuse is made for their father, Eli. "He was," says the writer, "very old."
The women that assembled.--These women were evidently in some way connected with the service of the Tabernacle; possibly they assisted in the liturgical portion of the sanctuary worship. (ComparePsalm 68:11 : "The Lord gave the word, great was the company of female singers.") Here, assooften in the world's story, immorality follows on unbelief.
InPsalm 78:60-64, the punishment of the guilty priests and the forsaking of the defiled sanctuary is recorded. The psalmist Asaph relates how, in His anger at the people's sin, God greatly abhorred Israel, so that He "forsook the Tabernacle at Shiloh--even the tent that He had pitched among men. He delivered their power into captivity, and their beauty into the enemy's hand. The fire consumed their young men, and their maidens were not given to marriage. Their priests were slain with the sword, and there were no widows to make lamentation."
Verse 22. -
Eli... heard all that his sons did. To the profanity and greed described in vers. 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 deaconesses of the Christian Church. The word rendered
assembled means "arranged in bands," and shows not merely that they were numerous, but that they had regular duties assigned them, and each one her proper place and office. The frequent sacrifices, with the feasts which followed, must have provided occupation for a large number of hands in the cleaning of the utensils and the cooking of the food. But though Eli heard of the depraved conduct of his sons in thus defiling those who ministered in the tabernacle, he gives them but the faintest rebuke, and that apparently only because their misdeeds were in everybody's mouth; for the last clause of ver. 23 really is, "For I hear of your evil doings from all this people." Eli's old age may have increased his indifference, but his religious character could never have had much depth or earnestness, to allow him to regard such heinous sins so lightly. It seems even as if he chiefly felt the annoyance occasioned to himself by the expostulations urged upon him "from all this people." Still all that he says is wise and thoughtful. The sins of men in high station do not end with themselves; they make others also to transgress. And as Eli's sons were Jehovah's ministers, and they had led into wickedness those who also were bound to holy service, their misconduct was a sin against Jehovah himself.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Now Eliוְעֵלִ֖י(wə·‘ê·lî)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5941:Eli -- a priest at Shilohwas veryמְאֹ֑ד(mə·’ōḏ)Adverb
Strong's 3966:Vehemence, vehemently, wholly, speedilyold,זָקֵ֣ן(zā·qên)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2204:To be or become oldand he heardוְשָׁמַ֗ע(wə·šā·ma‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlyabout everythingכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyhis sonsבָּנָיו֙(bā·nāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonwere doingיַעֲשׂ֤וּן(ya·‘ă·śūn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 6213:To do, maketo allלְכָל־(lə·ḵāl)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everyIsraelיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל(yiś·rā·’êl)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478:Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his descand howאֲשֶׁ֨ר(’ă·šer)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatthey were sleeping withיִשְׁכְּבוּן֙(yiš·kə·ḇūn)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | Paragogic nun
Strong's 7901:To lie downthe womenהַנָּשִׁ֔ים(han·nā·šîm)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, femalewho servedהַצֹּ֣בְא֔וֹת(haṣ·ṣō·ḇə·’ō·wṯ)Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural
Strong's 6633:To wage war, serveat the entranceפֶּ֖תַח(pe·ṯaḥ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607:An opening, door, entrance wayto the Tentאֹ֥הֶל(’ō·hel)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 168:A tentof Meeting.מוֹעֵֽד׃(mō·w·‘êḏ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4150:Appointed time, place, or meeting
Links
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1 Samuel 2:22 BibleApps.com1 Samuel 2:22 Biblia Paralela1 Samuel 2:22 Chinese Bible1 Samuel 2:22 French Bible1 Samuel 2:22 Catholic Bible
OT History: 1 Samuel 2:22 Now Eli was very old (1Sa iSam 1 Sam i sa) 
