Topical Bible: Covetousness: Samuel's Sons

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Covetousness, a strong desire for possessions or wealth, is a recurring theme in the Bible, often depicted as a sin that leads individuals away from righteousness. The account of Samuel's sons, Joel and Abijah, provides a poignant example of how covetousness can corrupt leadership and lead to societal discontent.

Biblical Context

The account of Samuel's sons is found in 1 Samuel 8:1-3. Samuel, a prophet and judge over Israel, appointed his sons as judges over Israel in his old age. However, unlike their father, Joel and Abijah did not follow in his righteous ways. The Berean Standard Bible states:

"When Samuel grew old, he appointed his sons as judges over Israel. The name of his firstborn son was Joel, and the name of his second was Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside after dishonest gain, accepted bribes, and perverted justice." (1 Samuel 8:1-3)

Analysis

The actions of Samuel's sons are a clear manifestation of covetousness. Their desire for dishonest gain led them to accept bribes and pervert justice, actions that are explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. Covetousness, in this context, is not merely a personal failing but a public one, as it directly impacts their ability to judge fairly and uphold the law.

The Bible consistently warns against covetousness, associating it with idolatry and moral decay. In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul writes, "For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God." (Ephesians 5:5). This underscores the severity of covetousness as a sin that distances individuals from God.

Consequences

The covetousness of Samuel's sons had significant consequences for Israel. Their corruption and failure to lead justly prompted the elders of Israel to demand a king to rule over them, as recorded in 1 Samuel 8:4-5:

"So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. 'Look,' 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.'" (1 Samuel 8:4-5)

This request for a king marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, transitioning from a theocracy led by judges to a monarchy. The demand for a king was not merely a rejection of Samuel's sons but also a rejection of God's direct rule over Israel, as God Himself noted to Samuel in 1 Samuel 8:7.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The account of Samuel's sons serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of covetousness, particularly for those in positions of authority. It highlights the importance of integrity and the pursuit of justice, as well as the broader societal impact when leaders fail to uphold these values. The narrative encourages believers to examine their own hearts for covetous desires and to seek contentment and righteousness in their walk with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

Library

Internal Foes.
... Covetousness enticed Lot into Sodom. It caused the destruction of Achan and all
his house. It was the iniquity of Balaam. It was the sin of Samuel's sons. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/part ii internal foes.htm

The Third Commandment
... These are devils in Samuel's mantle. ... an infidel"?' Thus he endeavours to support
his covetousness by Scripture ... told her husband, that of her three sons, one of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 3 the third commandment.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Covetousness, its bad effects, [1137]248; more cruel than robbery ... to behave in a
kingdom, [1170]241; Samuel sent to ... Day, sons of, [1173]362; to be such our own ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Israel's Hope Encouraged;
... 'Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it ... 'I pray thee, LET Tamar my sister come'
(2 Samuel 13:6). 'LET it be granted to the Jews to do,' &c. (Esther 9:13). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/israels hope encouraged.htm

part ii
... time our turn will come, and we shall be told: "Return ye, sons of men ... not to be
bound by worldly desires and delights, especially by covetousness, self-love ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm