1 Samuel 2:32
And thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation, in all the wealth which God shall give Israel: and there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever.
Original Language Analysis
וְהִבַּטְתָּ֙
And thou shalt see
H5027
וְהִבַּטְתָּ֙
And thou shalt see
Strong's:
H5027
Word #:
1 of 14
to scan, i.e., look intently at; by implication, to regard with pleasure, favor or care
מָע֔וֹן
in my habitation
H4583
מָע֔וֹן
in my habitation
Strong's:
H4583
Word #:
3 of 14
an abode, of god (the tabernacle or the temple), men (their home) or animals (their lair); hence, a retreat (asylum)
בְּכֹ֥ל
H3605
בְּכֹ֥ל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יֵיטִ֖יב
in all the wealth which God shall give
H3190
יֵיטִ֖יב
in all the wealth which God shall give
Strong's:
H3190
Word #:
6 of 14
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
7 of 14
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
8 of 14
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
9 of 14
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִהְיֶ֥ה
H1961
יִהְיֶ֥ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
10 of 14
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּבֵֽיתְךָ֖
in thine house
H1004
בְּבֵֽיתְךָ֖
in thine house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
12 of 14
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
Historical Context
This prophecy finds initial fulfillment in chapter 4 when Eli learns of the Ark's capture and dies. Shiloh's complete destruction, likely by Philistines around 1050 BCE, is referenced in Jeremiah 7:12-14 as paradigm for Jerusalem's coming judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- What is worse: suffering judgment or watching others blessed while you are excluded?
- How does sanctuary destruction demonstrate God's willingness to judge even sacred places?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The prophecy extends to sanctuary destruction: 'thou shalt see an enemy in my habitation.' Eli would witness the beginning of Shiloh's downfall - the Ark captured, his sons killed, the sanctuary eventually destroyed. 'In all the wealth which God shall give Israel' indicates that national prosperity would continue but Eli's house would be excluded. They would watch others blessed while they suffered. The enduring nature of the curse ('there shall not be an old man in thine house for ever') emphasizes permanence.