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.
Original Language Analysis
מְאֹ֑ד
was very
H3966
מְאֹ֑ד
was very
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
3 of 20
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
וְשָׁמַ֗ע
and heard
H8085
וְשָׁמַ֗ע
and heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
4 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֵת֩
H853
אֵת֩
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
7 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַֽעֲשׂ֤וּן
did
H6213
יַֽעֲשׂ֤וּן
did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
8 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
בָּנָיו֙
all that his sons
H1121
בָּנָיו֙
all that his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
9 of 20
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
לְכָל
H3605
לְכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
10 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
unto all Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל
unto all Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
11 of 20
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְאֵ֤ת
H853
וְאֵ֤ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶֽׁר
H834
אֲשֶֽׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
13 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יִשְׁכְּבוּן֙
and how they lay
H7901
יִשְׁכְּבוּן֙
and how they lay
Strong's:
H7901
Word #:
14 of 20
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
אֶת
H854
אֶת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
15 of 20
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
פֶּ֖תַח
at the door
H6607
פֶּ֖תַח
at the door
Strong's:
H6607
Word #:
18 of 20
an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way
Historical Context
The 'women that assembled at the door' appear also in Exodus 38:8, where their mirrors provided bronze for the laver. Their service at the sanctuary entrance made them vulnerable to predatory priests. This sexual abuse violated both their persons and the holiness of the sanctuary.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowledge of wrongdoing create responsibility for action?
- What does the sexual exploitation of worshipers reveal about the depth of the priests' corruption?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eli's advanced age coincides with full awareness of his sons' wickedness. He 'heard all that his sons did' - not rumors but confirmed reports of their comprehensive corruption. Their sin extends beyond sanctuary abuse to sexual exploitation: 'they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle.' These women may have been worship attendants (Exodus 38:8) or simply faithful worshipers. Either way, the priests corrupted the most sacred space for the basest purposes. Eli knows but takes inadequate action.