1 Samuel 2:30

Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed [that] thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Wherefore the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of Israel {H3478} saith {H5002}, I said {H559} indeed {H559} that thy house {H1004}, and the house {H1004} of thy father {H1}, should walk {H1980} before {H6440} me for {H5704} ever {H5769}: but now the LORD {H3068} saith {H5002}, Be it far from me {H2486}; for them that honour {H3513} me I will honour {H3513}, and they that despise {H959} me shall be lightly esteemed {H7043}.

"Therefore ADONAI the God of Isra'el says, 'I did indeed say that your family and your father's family would walk in my presence forever.' But now ADONAI says, 'Forget it! I respect those who respect me, but those who despise me will meet with contempt.

Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: โ€˜I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.

Therefore Jehovah, the God of Israel, saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now Jehovah saith, Be it far from me; for them that honor me I will honor, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.

Commentary

First Samuel 2:30 delivers a powerful and sobering declaration from the LORD God of Israel, articulating a fundamental principle of divine justice and interaction with humanity. This verse marks a turning point in the priestly line of Eli, highlighting God's unwavering commitment to righteousness and His response to those who honor or dishonor Him.

Context

This pronouncement comes through an unnamed "man of God" to Eli, the high priest, concerning the egregious sins of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Eli's sons were abusing their priestly office, treating God's sacrifices with contempt, and committing immorality at the tabernacle (see 1 Samuel 2:12-17). Although Eli rebuked them, he failed to restrain them effectively, essentially honoring his sons more than God (1 Samuel 2:29). The divine promise that Eli's ancestral house (descendants of Aaron) would serve as priests forever, an implicit covenant of perpetual service, is now being revoked due to this profound unfaithfulness and desecration of sacred duties.

Key Themes

  • Divine Judgment and Retribution: God's word here is a clear declaration of judgment against Eli's house. It demonstrates that divine promises, even those seemingly perpetual, can be conditional upon faithfulness and obedience.
  • The Principle of Honor: The core message is encapsulated in the statement: "for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed." This establishes a foundational biblical principle of reciprocal action based on how humanity treats God.
  • Consequences of Disobedience: The verse powerfully illustrates the severe repercussions of spiritual corruption and irreverence, especially from those in leadership positions. It underscores that God will not tolerate His name or His worship being defiled.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew terms used in this verse are particularly insightful:

  • The word for "honour" (ื›ึธึผื‘ึทื“ - kabad) conveys the idea of giving weight, glory, or significance. To honor God means to treat Him as weighty, important, and supreme in all aspects of life.
  • Conversely, "despise" (ืงึธืœึทืœ - qalal) means to treat lightly, to scorn, or to make little of. To despise God is to treat Him as insignificant or inconsequential.
  • "Lightly esteemed" (ืงึธืœึธื” - qalah) is a direct reflection of "despise," indicating that those who treat God lightly will themselves be treated as light, insignificant, and contemptible. The language emphasizes a direct, just reciprocity.

Related Scriptures

This principle is echoed throughout Scripture, demonstrating its timeless truth:

  • Proverbs 3:9 encourages honoring the Lord with our substance and the firstfruits of all our increase.
  • In the New Testament, Jesus states that if anyone serves Him, the Father will honor him (John 12:26).
  • Conversely, Proverbs 13:13 warns that whoever despises the word shall be destroyed.

Practical Application

The message of 1 Samuel 2:30 resonates deeply for believers today. It serves as a timeless reminder that:

  • Our Actions Matter: How we live, worship, and serve directly reflects whether we honor or despise God. This applies not only to spiritual leaders but to every individual believer.
  • True Honor is Obedience: Honoring God is not merely outward ritual but internal reverence expressed through obedience to His commands and upholding His holiness.
  • God's Justice is Unwavering: While God is merciful and gracious, His justice ensures that there are consequences for persistent disobedience and contempt for His name.
  • Motivation for Faithfulness: This verse encourages a life of devotion, knowing that God delights in and blesses those who prioritize Him and His will above all else. Consider how you can better present your body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • John 12:26 (24 votes)

    If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will [my] Father honour.

  • Jeremiah 18:9 (21 votes)

    And [at what] instant I shall speak concerning a nation, and concerning a kingdom, to build and to plant [it];

  • Jeremiah 18:10 (21 votes)

    If it do evil in my sight, that it obey not my voice, then I will repent of the good, wherewith I said I would benefit them.

  • Proverbs 3:9 (16 votes)

    Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase:

  • Proverbs 3:10 (16 votes)

    So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

  • Malachi 1:6 (12 votes)

    ยถ A son honoureth [his] father, and a servant his master: if then I [be] a father, where [is] mine honour? and if I [be] a master, where [is] my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?

  • 2 Chronicles 15:2 (11 votes)

    And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD [is] with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.