1 Samuel 2:25
If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 21
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֶֽחֱטָא
sin
H2398
יֶֽחֱטָא
sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
2 of 21
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
אִ֔ישׁ
If one man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
If one man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
3 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אִ֔ישׁ
If one man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
If one man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
4 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִתְפַּלֶּל
shall judge
H6419
יִתְפַּלֶּל
shall judge
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
5 of 21
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
the judge
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
the judge
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
6 of 21
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
וְאִ֤ם
H518
וְאִ֤ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
7 of 21
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יְהוָ֖ה
against the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
against the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 21
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
יֶֽחֱטָא
sin
H2398
יֶֽחֱטָא
sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
9 of 21
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
אִ֔ישׁ
If one man
H376
אִ֔ישׁ
If one man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
10 of 21
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
מִ֖י
H4310
מִ֖י
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
11 of 21
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יִתְפַּלֶּל
shall judge
H6419
יִתְפַּלֶּל
shall judge
Strong's:
H6419
Word #:
12 of 21
to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray
וְלֹ֤א
H3808
וְלֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
14 of 21
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יִשְׁמְעוּ֙
for him Notwithstanding they hearkened
H8085
יִשְׁמְעוּ֙
for him Notwithstanding they hearkened
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
15 of 21
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם
of their father
H1
אֲבִיהֶ֔ם
of their father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
17 of 21
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
18 of 21
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חָפֵ֥ץ
would
H2654
חָפֵ֥ץ
would
Strong's:
H2654
Word #:
19 of 21
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
Cross References
Hebrews 10:26For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,Joshua 11:20For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.1 Samuel 3:14And therefore I have sworn unto the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's house shall not be purged with sacrifice nor offering for ever.Numbers 15:30But the soul that doeth ought presumptuously, whether he be born in the land, or a stranger, the same reproacheth the LORD; and that soul shall be cut off from among his people.Proverbs 15:10Correction is grievous unto him that forsaketh the way: and he that hateth reproof shall die.Hebrews 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.1 Timothy 2:5For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;Psalms 51:4Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest.Deuteronomy 1:17Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.2 Chronicles 25:16And it came to pass, as he talked with him, that the king said unto him, Art thou made of the king's counsel? forbear; why shouldest thou be smitten? Then the prophet forbare, and said, I know that God hath determined to destroy thee, because thou hast done this, and hast not hearkened unto my counsel.
Historical Context
The concept of divine hardening appears throughout Scripture (Exodus 4:21; Romans 9:18). Hophni and Phinehas had so thoroughly committed to wickedness that God withdrew restraining grace, sealing their destruction. Their refusal to listen confirms rather than causes their doom.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Eli's unanswered question find its answer in Christ's mediatorial work?
- How does persistent rejection of correction lead to judicial hardening?
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Analysis & Commentary
Eli's argument reaches its theological apex with a profound question: 'if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?' Sins between humans can find human judges and mediators. But sins directly against God leave no higher court of appeal. This rhetorical question answers itself: none can mediate between the sinner and the offended God - except, as the full canon reveals, the promised Mediator, Jesus Christ. Yet the sons 'hearkened not' because 'the LORD would slay them.' Divine judicial hardening confirms their self-chosen path toward destruction.