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.
If one person wrongs another person, a judge can settle the matter between them. But if someone sins against the LORD, who can speak up for them? Even so, Eli's sons wouldn't listen to their father's warning, because the LORD had decided to put them to death.
This verse shows that while human disputes can be resolved by judges, sins against God are far more serious, and tragically, Eli's sons refused to listen to correction when there was still time.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 1 Samuel, Eli was a high priest whose sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt priests who abused their authority by taking unfair shares of sacrifices and engaging in immoral behavior. When Eli confronted them about their sins against God, they refused to listen, illustrating the gravity of sinning directly against the Lord, as no human intermediary could fully intercede. This story is set during a time when Israel was transitioning from judges to kings, highlighting themes of divine judgment and the consequences of unrepentant sin.
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