MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for 1 Samuel 2
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for 1 Samuel 2
A Prophecy against Eli's House.
The prophet declared that there would be no elderly person in Eli's household (1Sa 2:27). In ancient Eastern culture, old age was highly valued and considered a significant blessing for any family. The loss of this distinction would severely impact the respectability of Eli's family. This prophecy was later fulfilled as the house of Eli faced numerous afflictions, including poverty, untimely deaths, and degradation (1Sa 4:11; 14:3; 22:18-23; 1Ki 2:27).
The prophet also announced that God would remove the high priesthood from Eli's family. This dignity had previously been transferred to Ithamar's branch of Aaron's descendants after Nadab and Abihu's death (Nu 3:4). Now, due to Eli's descendants' unfitness for the office, it would be taken away and restored to the elder branch.
The prophet further stated that Eli would witness a rival family rising to prominence in the tabernacle, potentially even gaining control of the high priesthood (2Sa 15:35; 1Ch 24:3; 29:22). The marginal reading suggests an alternative translation: "thou shalt see the affliction of the tabernacle."