Eli said to his sons.
Eli's role as both a father and a high priest places him in a unique position of authority and responsibility. His sons, who served as priests, were expected to uphold the sanctity of their office, yet they abused their positions. This familial and spiritual dynamic underscores the importance of integrity and discipline within the priesthood. Eli's failure to correct his sons earlier is a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting parental and spiritual duties, as seen in Proverbs 22:6.

“I hear about your wicked deeds
The phrase indicates that the misconduct of Eli's sons was widely known among the people of Israel. Their actions, which included taking the best portions of sacrifices and engaging in immoral behavior, were a public scandal. This public knowledge of their sins reflects the communal nature of Israelite society, where the actions of individuals, especially leaders, had significant implications for the entire community. The term "wicked deeds" aligns with the biblical understanding of sin as actions that are contrary to God's law, as seen in passages like Psalm 1:1-6.

from all these people.”
The widespread reports of Hophni and Phinehas's actions suggest a breakdown in the moral and spiritual fabric of the community. The people of Israel, who were supposed to be a holy nation, were witnessing corruption at the heart of their worship practices. This situation foreshadows the need for righteous leadership, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who perfectly embodies the role of priest and king. The phrase also highlights the communal responsibility to hold leaders accountable, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17, where Jesus outlines the process for addressing sin within the church.

• Eli begins with a question that exposes sin and invites self-examination. Scripture often uses questions to awaken conscience (Genesis 3:9; Joshua 7:19).

• This father is urging his sons to stop and think before God, much like Psalm 4:4 commands: “Tremble, and do not sin; commune with your own heart on your bed, and be still”.

• By asking “why,” Eli highlights that sin is not accidental; it flows from motives and choices (Mark 7:21-23).

• Cross-references reinforce this call to personal responsibility: Proverbs 14:12 warns that a way “seems right” yet ends in death, and 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith”.

• The inspired writer stresses relationship and authority. As both father and high priest, Eli bears double responsibility to correct (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Ephesians 6:4).

• Faithful parents must confront sin, not ignore it. Proverbs 19:18 urges, “Discipline your son, for in that there is hope”.

• Leaders who overlook iniquity will answer to God. Later the Lord tells Eli, “I told him that I would judge his house forever for the sin he knew about; his sons blasphemed God, and he did not restrain them” (1 Samuel 3:13).

• Eli’s example warns pastors and elders today: manage your own household well (1 Timothy 3:4-5) and “keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account” (Hebrews 13:17).

• Sin seldom stays hidden; it harms both individual and community (Numbers 32:23; 1 Corinthians 5:1).

• The sons’ offenses—stealing the sacrifices and sexual immorality at the tabernacle (1 Samuel 2:12-17, 22)—had become public scandal, jeopardizing Israel’s worship witness (Malachi 2:8).

• Public rumor forces public correction. Jesus lays down the same principle: “If your brother sins, go and confront him… but if he refuses, tell it to the church” (Matthew 18:15-17).

• Reputation matters: “Abstain from every form of evil. Then the God of peace Himself will sanctify you” (1 Thessalonians 5:22-23). A priest’s life had to mirror holiness (Leviticus 10:3; 1 Peter 2:9).

• The phrase “all these people” underscores that our behavior always teaches—for good or ill. The sons were instructing Israel in rebellion instead of reverence.

Eli’s single sentence captures three timeless truths. First, sin must be faced head-on; a probing “why” shakes us awake before God. Second, those entrusted with authority—parents, pastors, leaders—are obliged to confront wrongdoing in those under their care. Third, wicked deeds damage the witness of God’s people and inevitably become known, calling for decisive, public correction. 1 Samuel 2:23 therefore challenges every believer to examine motives, exercise godly oversight, and guard the testimony of the Lord before a watching world.

Parallel Commentaries ...