What does 1 Samuel 2:12 mean?

"¶ Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD." - 1 Samuel 2:12

1 Samuel 2:12

The verse 1 Samuel 2:12 from the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD." This verse comes from the book of 1 Samuel, which tells the story of the prophet Samuel and the transition of Israel from judges to kings.

In this particular verse, we find the characterization of the sons of Eli, who were priests in the temple of the Lord. The phrase "sons of Belial" refers to them as worthless or wicked individuals, while the statement "they knew not the LORD" emphasizes their lack of knowledge and obedience to God.

The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its meaning. Eli was a priest and judge in Israel, and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were serving as priests at the time. However, they were corrupt and disrespectful in their roles, engaging in sinful practices and disregarding the commands of God. Specifically, 1 Samuel 2:17-25 describes how they were taking advantage of their position to indulge in immoral behavior, such as taking more than their fair share of the sacrificial meat and having sexual relations with the women who served at the entrance of the tabernacle.

This verse serves as a condemnation of the behavior of Eli's sons and a warning against the dangers of spiritual complacency and corruption. It highlights the consequences of being disobedient to God and lacking true knowledge and understanding of Him.

The theme of this verse can be seen as the importance of true faith and obedience to God. It demonstrates the contrast between those who are devoted to God and those who are not, and the resulting consequences of their actions. It also emphasizes the significance of maintaining spiritual integrity and living according to God's will, regardless of our position or status.

Symbolically, the sons of Eli can be seen as representations of corrupt and hypocritical religious leaders. Their actions and attitudes reflect the danger of pursuing personal gain and pleasure at the expense of true spiritual devotion. This serves as a cautionary tale for all believers, reminding us to remain vigilant in upholding God's standards and resisting the temptations of the world.

In a broader context, this verse can also be applied to the importance of discernment and accountability within the religious community. It challenges us to examine the character and conduct of those in positions of authority and to hold them to a higher standard of righteousness and holiness.

Overall, 1 Samuel 2:12 from the King James Version of the Bible serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of genuine faith and obedience to God, as well as the dangers of spiritual complacency and corruption. It encourages us to be vigilant in upholding God's standards and to hold ourselves and others accountable to His truth and righteousness.

1 Samuel 2:12 Artwork

1 Samuel 2:12

1 Samuel 2:12 - "¶ Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD."

2 Samuel 12:2 - "The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds:"

2 Samuel 2:12 - "¶ And Abner the son of Ner, and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul, went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon."

2 Samuel 12:12 - "For thou didst it secretly: but I will do this thing before all Israel, and before the sun."

2 Samuel 1:12 - "And they mourned, and wept, and fasted until even, for Saul, and for Jonathan his son, and for the people of the LORD, and for the house of Israel; because they were fallen by the sword."

1 Samuel 12:18 - "So Samuel called unto the LORD; and the LORD sent thunder and rain that day: and all the people greatly feared the LORD and Samuel."

1 corinthians 2:12

2 Samuel 12:26 - "And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and took the royal city."

1 Samuel 2:26 - "And the child Samuel grew on, and was in favour both with the LORD, and also with men."

1 Samuel 2:18 - "¶ But Samuel ministered before the LORD, being a child, girded with a linen ephod."

1 Samuel 12:6 - "¶ And Samuel said unto the people, It is the LORD that advanced Moses and Aaron, and that brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt."

1 Samuel 18:12 - "¶ And Saul was afraid of David, because the LORD was with him, and was departed from Saul."

1 Samuel 1:12 - "And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth."

2 Samuel 12:29 - "And David gathered all the people together, and went to Rabbah, and fought against it, and took it."

1 Samuel 2:6 - "The LORD killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up."

1 Samuel 2:7 - "The LORD maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up."

1 Samuel 12:1 - "And Samuel said unto all Israel, Behold, I have hearkened unto your voice in all that ye said unto me, and have made a king over you."

2 Samuel 12:1 - "And the LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor."

1 Samuel 12:11 - "And the LORD sent Jerubbaal, and Bedan, and Jephthah, and Samuel, and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and ye dwelled safe."

1 Samuel 2:4 - "The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength."

1 Samuel 7:12 - "Then Samuel took a stone, and set it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of it Eben-ezer, saying, Hitherto hath the LORD helped us."

1 Samuel 15:12 - "And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told Samuel, saying, Saul came to Carmel, and, behold, he set him up a place, and is gone about, and passed on, and gone down to Gilgal."

1 Samuel 28:12 - "And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul."

2 Samuel 23:12 - "But he stood in the midst of the ground, and defended it, and slew the Philistines: and the LORD wrought a great victory."

1 Samuel 5:12 - "And the men that died not were smitten with the emerods: and the cry of the city went up to heaven."

1 Samuel 11:12 - "¶ And the people said unto Samuel, Who is he that said, Shall Saul reign over us? bring the men, that we may put them to death."