1 Samuel 2:22

Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Now Eli {H5941} was very {H3966} old {H2204}, and heard {H8085} all that his sons {H1121} did {H6213} unto all Israel {H3478}; and how they lay {H7901} with the women {H802} that assembled {H6633} at the door {H6607} of the tabernacle {H168} of the congregation {H4150}.

When 'Eli was very old, he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Isra'el, and that they were having sex with the women doing service at the door of the tent of meeting.

Now Eli was very old, and he heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting.

Now Eli was very old; and he heard all that his sons did unto all Israel, and how that they lay with the women that did service at the door of the tent of meeting.

Commentary

This verse from 1 Samuel paints a stark picture of the moral decay within Israel's spiritual leadership during a pivotal time. It highlights the severe misconduct of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who, despite their priestly office, engaged in egregious sin at the very center of Israelite worship.

Context

At this point in Israel's history, Eli served as the high priest and judge. The narrative in 1 Samuel contrasts his advanced age and declining influence with the burgeoning spiritual life of young Samuel. Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were also priests, but they notoriously abused their positions. Earlier in the chapter, their disregard for sacrificial offerings is detailed (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Verse 22 introduces another, even more shocking, dimension of their wickedness: sexual immorality directly associated with the sacred tabernacle of the congregation.

Key Themes

  • Corruption of Spiritual Leadership: The verse underscores the profound moral failure of Eli's sons, who, as priests, were meant to mediate between God and His people. Their actions defiled their sacred office and brought disgrace upon the worship of God. This priestly corruption was a direct affront to God's holiness.
  • Desecration of Sacred Space: The phrase "lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation" is particularly scandalous. The tabernacle was the dwelling place of God's presence, a holy site for worship and atonement. Committing acts of sexual immorality at its very entrance represented an extreme form of sacrilege and contempt for divine sanctity.
  • Parental Accountability and Inaction: Eli, being "very old," heard about his sons' deeds. His knowledge implies a degree of responsibility for their conduct. While he did rebuke them (1 Samuel 2:23-25), his efforts were apparently insufficient to curb their wickedness, leading to severe divine judgment on his house as prophesied in 1 Samuel 2:29-36.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle" (Hebrew: ื”ึทื ึผึธืฉืึดื™ื ื”ึทืฆึผึนื‘ึฐืื•ึนืช ืคึผึถืชึทื— ืึนื”ึถืœ ืžื•ึนืขึตื“, *hannashim hatstsov'ot petach ohel mo'ed*) is significant. The verb "assembled" (*tsava*) can mean to "go forth to war" or "perform service." In the context of the tabernacle, it likely refers to women who served there in some capacity, perhaps as gatekeepers, attendants, or even those who came to worship regularly. The fact that Eli's sons exploited these women, or engaged in immorality with them, at the very entrance of the holy tent demonstrates the depth of their depravity and abuse of power.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful warning for all who hold positions of spiritual leadership. It underscores the importance of:

  • Integrity in Ministry: Those entrusted with sacred duties must uphold the highest moral standards, recognizing that their actions reflect upon God Himself.
  • Respect for Sacred Spaces: Whether a physical building or the concept of God's presence, holiness demands reverence and purity.
  • Addressing Sin Decisively: Leaders, and indeed all believers, are called to confront and address sin, especially when it defiles the community or the name of God. Eli's story is a tragic example of the consequences of failing to do so effectively, leading to the ultimate downfall of his family and the capture of the Ark of God (1 Samuel 4:11).

The narrative of Eli's sons reminds us that God is holy and will not tolerate persistent, defiant sin, particularly from those who claim to serve Him.

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Cross-References

  • Exodus 38:8 (4 votes)

    And he made the laver [of] brass, and the foot of it [of] brass, of the lookingglasses of [the women] assembling, which assembled [at] the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

  • 1 Samuel 2:13 (3 votes)

    And the priests' custom with the people [was, that], when any man offered sacrifice, the priest's servant came, while the flesh was in seething, with a fleshhook of three teeth in his hand;

  • 1 Samuel 2:17 (3 votes)

    Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD.

  • Hosea 4:9 (2 votes)

    And there shall be, like people, like priest: and I will punish them for their ways, and reward them their doings.

  • Hosea 4:11 (2 votes)

    Whoredom and wine and new wine take away the heart.

  • 1 Samuel 8:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ And it came to pass, when Samuel was old, that he made his sons judges over Israel.

  • Ezekiel 22:26 (2 votes)

    Her priests have violated my law, and have profaned mine holy things: they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have they shewed [difference] between the unclean and the clean, and have hid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them.