1 Samuel 4:15

Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were dim, that he could not see.

Now Eli {H5941} was ninety {H8673} and eight {H8083} years {H8141} old {H1121}; and his eyes {H5869} were dim {H6965}, that he could {H3201} not see {H7200}.

'Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed, because he was blind.

Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his gaze was fixed because he could not see.

Now Eli was ninety and eight years old; and his eyes were set, so that he could not see.

Commentary

1 Samuel 4:15 describes the physical state of Eli, the high priest and judge of Israel, at a pivotal moment in the nation's history. This verse sets the scene for the tragic news that is about to reach him, concerning the capture of the Ark of the Covenant and the deaths of his two wicked sons.

Context

At ninety-eight years old, Eli was an ancient figure, his advanced age highlighting his physical vulnerability. This verse immediately precedes the arrival of a messenger from the battlefield, bringing devastating news about Israel's defeat by the Philistines. Eli's physical condition—his "eyes were dim, that he could not see"—is significant. It not only emphasizes his extreme frailty but also serves as a poignant symbol for his spiritual state. For years, Eli had failed to adequately restrain his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, from their egregious sins against the Lord and the people, despite being warned by God (1 Samuel 2:29; 1 Samuel 3:13). This physical blindness can be seen as a parallel to his spiritual blindness or inability to discern and act decisively in accordance with God's will.

Key Themes

  • Physical Decline and Frailty: Eli's age of ninety-eight underscores the natural process of aging and the physical limitations it brings. His "dim" eyes signify a severe impairment, rendering him largely incapacitated visually.
  • Symbolic Blindness: More than just physical impairment, Eli's dim eyesight serves as a powerful metaphor for his spiritual and moral failings. Despite being God's high priest, he failed to "see" the corruption within his own household and take decisive action, leading to divine judgment on his family (1 Samuel 3:11-14).
  • Foreshadowing of Judgment: This verse sets the stage for the climactic events of 1 Samuel chapter 4, where the consequences of Eli's negligence and his sons' wickedness come to a head. His physical weakness precedes the news that ultimately leads to his death (1 Samuel 4:18).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "dim" is kahah (כָּהָה), which means to be faint, dull, or darkened. It implies a fading or weakening, not necessarily total blindness, but a significant loss of vision. This word is sometimes used elsewhere in the Old Testament to describe fading light or strength, adding to the sense of decline and impending end for Eli and his priestly line.

Practical Application

Eli's story, particularly his physical and spiritual state in 1 Samuel 4:15, offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Spiritual Vigilance: Just as Eli's physical sight failed, we must guard against spiritual dullness or apathy that prevents us from discerning God's will and confronting sin, whether in our own lives or those under our influence.
  • Accountability and Discipline: The tragic outcome for Eli's family highlights the importance of parents and leaders taking responsibility for those entrusted to their care, including administering necessary discipline and guidance.
  • Consequences of Neglect: This passage serves as a stark reminder that inaction and spiritual compromise can have severe, far-reaching consequences, not only for individuals but for families and communities.
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Cross-References

  • 1 Samuel 3:2 (5 votes)

    And it came to pass at that time, when Eli [was] laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, [that] he could not see;

  • Genesis 27:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass, that when Isaac was old, and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau his eldest son, and said unto him, My son: and he said unto him, Behold, [here am] I.

  • 1 Kings 14:4 (2 votes)

    And Jeroboam's wife did so, and arose, and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see; for his eyes were set by reason of his age.

  • Psalms 90:10 (2 votes)

    The days of our years [are] threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength [they be] fourscore years, yet [is] their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.