Topical Bible: Magistrates: Wicked: Sons of Samuel

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In the biblical narrative, the sons of Samuel, Joel and Abijah, serve as a poignant example of wicked magistrates. Samuel, a prophet and judge over Israel, appointed his sons as judges over Israel in his old age. However, their conduct starkly contrasted with the righteous leadership of their father.

The account of their misconduct is found in 1 Samuel 8:1-3 : "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 son was Abijah; they were judges in Beersheba. But his sons did not walk in his ways; they turned aside toward dishonest gain, accepting bribes and perverting justice."

Joel and Abijah's actions as judges were marked by corruption and injustice. Their pursuit of dishonest gain and acceptance of bribes led to a perversion of justice, which is a direct violation of the standards set forth in the Mosaic Law. The Law explicitly condemns such behavior, as seen in Exodus 23:8 : "Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous."

The wickedness of Samuel's sons had significant repercussions for the nation of Israel. Their corruption and failure to uphold justice contributed to the people's demand for a king to rule over them, as they expressed their dissatisfaction with the current leadership. This demand is 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.'"

The request for a king marked a pivotal moment in Israel's history, transitioning from a theocratic system of judges to a monarchy. The elders' plea for a king was driven by their desire for a leader who would provide justice and stability, qualities they found lacking in the leadership of Samuel's sons.

The narrative of Joel and Abijah serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corrupt leadership and the impact it can have on a community. Their failure to adhere to the principles of justice and righteousness underscores the importance of integrity and accountability in positions of authority.

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

An Appreciation of John Wesley's Journal
... during the eighteenth century were the sons of small ... or into Newgate because I make
them wicked." The reader ... no loss to see what these sapient magistrates meant ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/an appreciation of john wesleys.htm

The Life of Mr. John Welch.
... he came first to the town, the country was so wicked and the ... By her he had three
sons[50 ... And one cause was this: The magistrates of Ayr, forasmuch as this town ...
/.../howie/biographia scoticana scots worthies/the life of mr john 5.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... the king, who is the head of magistrates, is a ... The slothful servant is called a wicked
servant.' Matthew 25 ... voice of their father, but were called sons of Belial ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The First Commandment
... who among the sons of the mighty can be likened unto ... I not give to another.' Isaiah
42:8. Magistrates may have ... awe and sin not.' Psalm 4:4. The wicked sin and ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 1 the first commandment.htm

Book 4 Footnotes
... scruples to admit, as ever esteeming such wicked men justly ... revile or blaspheme the
gods," or magistrates, which is ... relation to two of his own sons, before the ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 4 footnotes.htm

On the Management of the Resources Collected for the Support of ...
... who has begotten you again to the adoption of sons by water ... and in order to the worship
of wicked spirits ... who are not of the dignity of magistrates or ministers ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec iv on the management of.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... Evil magistrates, like the tail of the dragon, draw the ... Like Eli's sons, they are
in white linen, but have ... unto them, Drink ye wine;' so the wicked set pots of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Articles of Religion.
... of sin, and of our adoption to be the sons of God ... in the Use of the Lord's
Supper."The wicked, and such ... Of the Power of the Civil Magistrates."The power of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/articles of religion.htm

Demonstration xxi. --Of Persecution.
... Mordecai was persecuted by the wicked Haman; and Jesus ... bring you before rulers and
before magistrates, and before ... The seven brethren, sons of the blessed woman ...
/.../aphrahat/aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xxi of persecution.htm

A Plain Description of the Essence and Attributes of God, Out of ...
... sons by nature, are made his sons by grace. ... is also sometimes tropically given to
magistrates, because they ... willingly forbeareth to punish the wicked, so long ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/a plain description of the.htm