Topical Bible: Children: Wicked: Samuel's Sons

◄ Children: Wicked: Samuel's Sons ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the sons of Samuel, Joel and Abijah, are depicted as wicked and corrupt, contrasting sharply with the righteous character of their father, the prophet Samuel. Their account is primarily found in 1 Samuel 8:1-5, where their actions play a pivotal role in the transition of Israel from a theocracy to a monarchy.

Background and Context

Samuel, a significant prophet and judge in Israel, was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, and served under Eli the priest. As Samuel grew, he became a respected leader and prophet, guiding Israel with integrity and devotion to God. However, as he aged, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel, hoping they would continue his legacy of faithful leadership.

The Wickedness of Samuel's Sons

The Bible records that Samuel's sons did not follow in their father's righteous footsteps. In 1 Samuel 8:3 , it is written: "But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice." This verse highlights three specific sins:

1. Dishonest Gain: Joel and Abijah were motivated by greed, seeking personal profit rather than serving the people with integrity.

2. Acceptance of Bribes: They compromised their judicial responsibilities by accepting bribes, which corrupted their ability to judge fairly and justly.

3. Perversion of Justice: Their actions led to a distortion of justice, undermining the very foundation of their roles as judges and eroding public trust.

Impact on Israel

The corruption of Samuel's sons had significant consequences for the nation of Israel. The elders of Israel, recognizing the failure of Samuel's sons to lead righteously, approached Samuel with a request for a king. In 1 Samuel 8:5 , they said, "You are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations."

This request marked a turning point in Israel's history. The desire for a king was not merely a rejection of Samuel's sons but also a rejection of God's direct rule over Israel. Despite Samuel's warnings about the potential pitfalls of monarchy, God instructed him to heed the people's request, leading to the anointing of Saul as Israel's first king.

Lessons and Reflections

The account of Samuel's sons serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of righteous leadership and the dangers of corruption. It underscores the responsibility of leaders to uphold justice and integrity, as well as the impact of their actions on the community they serve. The narrative also highlights the human tendency to seek worldly solutions, such as a monarchy, rather than relying on divine guidance.

In the broader biblical context, the account of Samuel's sons is a cautionary tale about the consequences of departing from God's ways and the importance of faithful stewardship in positions of authority.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 8:3
And his sons walked not in his ways, but turned aside after lucre, and took bribes, and perverted judgment.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Internal Foes.
... "What a blessing it is to hear those dear children! ... "The wicked blesseth the covetous,
whom the Lord abhorreth.". ... It was the sin of Samuel's sons. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.htm

The Child Samuel.
... that God had given to His people, the children of Israel ... Then Samuel heard a voice,
which told him that God ... not checking his sons, who were very wicked men, and ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

Royal Murderers
... And there came in two men, children of Belial, and sat before ... I. We have to look
at the weakly wicked Ahab. ... Samuel's warning of what a king would be and do was ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/royal murderers.htm

The Third Commandment
... Such as are the true children of God, fear to shoot ... Mentioning God in connection
with a wicked design, is taking ... vowed unto the Lord, in Hebron.' 2 Samuel 15:7 ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

A Private Enquiry
... This Samuel was to Eli like a grandchild ... at the judgment-seat of Christ; and if children
now rebuke ... are cast out for ever into the pit prepared for the wicked? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a private enquiry.htm

The Historical Books.
... Benjamites for espousing the cause of the wicked men of ... four hundred and eightieth
year after the children of Israel ... at the lips of the risen Samuel, of the ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... charge multiplied, though heavy, [1063]ib.; spiritual children of, [1064 ... behave in
a kingdom, [1170]241; Samuel sent to ... Day, sons of, [1173]362; to be such our ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Prayers Answered
... and how wretched I had made my poor wife and children, I resolved ... I was young again."
"I never have any more wicked thoughts or ... SAMUEL HICK'S PRAYER FOR RAIN. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/various/the wonders of prayer/prayers answered.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... that Saul might be assured of Samuel's prophetic office ... people, and the strength
of the children of Israel ... of the triple league between Satan, wicked kings, and ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The New Covenant.
... well as more amiable to the eyes of His children. ... the blind behold the light, or
the wicked love purity ... not precisely the same as the prophet Samuel's: that "to ...
/.../chapter viii the new covenant.htm