1Sa 2:22-24 | KingComments | STEP | Eli’s sons are only out to satisfy their lusts. They seek the satisfaction of their stomach (cf. ). The step from physical satisfaction to the satisfaction of their sexual lusts is easily made. Those who cannot control themselves with food, often cannot control themselves in sexuality. Eli’s sons can no longer escape judgment after they have misbehaved themselves like this. Eli admonishes his sons about their behavior, but his admonition comes too late. Partly because of his weak performance they have hardened their hearts. Now the time of conversion is over. Eli does not know the thoughts of God and therefore continues to act in his weak way. He is behind the facts. The LORD had to make the decision to kill them. This decision is irrevocable because they irrevocably hold on to evil and despise every exhortation. It goes with Eli’s sons as it did with Pharaoh, who also first hardened his own heart ( ) and whose heart is hardened by God afterward ( ).

‏ 1 Samuel 2:22-24

Eli Rebukes His Sons

Eli’s sons are only out to satisfy their lusts. They seek the satisfaction of their stomach (cf. Phil 3:19a). The step from physical satisfaction to the satisfaction of their sexual lusts is easily made. Those who cannot control themselves with food, often cannot control themselves in sexuality. Eli’s sons can no longer escape judgment after they have misbehaved themselves like this.

Eli admonishes his sons about their behavior, but his admonition comes too late. Partly because of his weak performance they have hardened their hearts. Now the time of conversion is over. Eli does not know the thoughts of God and therefore continues to act in his weak way. He is behind the facts.

The LORD had to make the decision to kill them. This decision is irrevocable because they irrevocably hold on to evil and despise every exhortation. It goes with Eli’s sons as it did with Pharaoh, who also first hardened his own heart (Exo 7:13 ; 14 ; 22 ; Exo 8:15 ; 19 ; 32 ; Exo 9:7 ; 34 ; Exo 13:15) and whose heart is hardened by God afterward (Exo 9:12 ; Exo 10:1 ; 20 ; 27 ; Exo 11:10 ; Exo 14:4 ; 8 ; 17).