22 Now Eli was very old. He heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel(A) and how they were sleeping with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.(B) 23 He said to them, “Why are you doing these things? I have heard about your evil actions from all these people. 24 No, my sons, the news I hear the Lord’s people spreading is not good. 25 If one person sins against another, God can intercede for him, but if a person sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him?” (C) But they would not listen to their father, since the Lord intended to kill them.(D) 26 By contrast, the boy Samuel grew in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.(E)

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Prophecy against Eli’s Household

22 Now Eli was very old. He heard all that his sons were doing to all Israel and how they lay with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting.(A) 23 He said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. 24 No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear the people of the Lord spreading abroad.(B) 25 If one person sins against another, someone can intercede for the sinner with the Lord,[a] but if someone sins against the Lord, who can make intercession?” But they would not listen to the voice of their father, for it was the will of the Lord to kill them.(C)

26 Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people.(D)

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Footnotes

  1. 2.25 Gk Q ms: MT another, God will intercede for him