1 Samuel 2:12

Now the sons of Eli [were] sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.

Now the sons {H1121} of Eli {H5941} were sons {H1121} of Belial {H1100}; they knew {H3045} not the LORD {H3068}.

'Eli's sons were scoundrels who had no regard for ADONAI.

Now the sons of Eli were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD

Now the sons of Eli were base men; they knew not Jehovah.

Commentary

1 Samuel 2:12 introduces the corrupt character of Eli's two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who served as priests alongside their father at the tabernacle in Shiloh. This verse sets the stage for the moral decay and spiritual crisis that plagued Israel's leadership during this period, ultimately leading to divine judgment.

Context

At this time in Israel's history, the nation was under the leadership of judges and priests, with Eli serving as the High Priest. While Eli himself was a man of God, albeit one who failed to restrain his sons, his sons Hophni and Phinehas were a stark contrast. They were entrusted with sacred duties within the tabernacle, handling the sacrifices offered to the LORD, yet their actions demonstrated a profound disrespect for God and His ordinances. This moral failure among the spiritual leaders foreshadowed the coming transition in Israel's leadership, away from the priestly line of Eli and towards the prophetic and monarchical eras.

Key Themes

  • Corrupt Leadership: The verse highlights the severe moral and spiritual corruption within the highest echelons of Israel's religious system. The priests, who were meant to mediate between God and the people, were themselves deeply unrighteous.
  • Disregard for God: The phrase "they knew not the LORD" is central. This wasn't merely a lack of intellectual understanding, but a profound absence of a personal, obedient, and reverential relationship with God. Their actions, detailed in subsequent verses (e.g., 1 Samuel 2:13-17), clearly demonstrated their contempt for God's holiness and His laws concerning offerings.
  • Consequences of Sin: The unrighteousness of Eli's sons brought shame upon the priesthood and ultimately led to severe divine judgment upon Eli's house, as prophesied later in the book (e.g., 1 Samuel 3:11-14).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "sons of Belial" is a direct translation of the Hebrew bĕliya'al (בְלִיַּעַל). This term signifies "worthlessness," "wickedness," or "unprofitableness." It describes individuals who are utterly depraved, without moral restraint, and dedicated to evil. To call them "sons of Belial" was to label them as the embodiment of wickedness and rebellion against divine authority. The phrase "they knew not the LORD" (Hebrew yada, יָדַע) emphasizes not just a factual ignorance, but a lack of experiential, intimate knowledge and obedience to God. It implies a deliberate rejection of His character and commands.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a sober warning about the critical importance of genuine faith and integrity, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership. It underscores that outward religious service means nothing without an inward, obedient relationship with God. For believers today, it highlights:

  • The danger of hypocrisy and going through religious motions without true reverence for God.
  • The necessity of knowing God not just intellectually, but experientially, through obedience and relationship.
  • The accountability of leaders to live according to the standards they preach, as their actions can significantly impact the spiritual well-being of others.

The contrast between the corrupt sons of Eli and the young Samuel, who "grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men" (1 Samuel 2:26), provides a powerful lesson on the qualities God truly values.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 1:28 (9 votes)

    And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;

  • Romans 1:30 (9 votes)

    Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

  • Jeremiah 2:8 (7 votes)

    The priests said not, Where [is] the LORD? and they that handle the law knew me not: the pastors also transgressed against me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal, and walked after [things that] do not profit.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:15 (5 votes)

    And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?

  • Judges 2:10 (5 votes)

    And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.

  • Romans 1:21 (4 votes)

    Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

  • Malachi 2:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ And now, O ye priests, this commandment [is] for you.