1. 1 Samuel 2:11–36 (ESV)
  2. Structure and outline

Structure of 1 Samuel 2:11–36

1 Samuel 2:11–36 (ESV)

11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramah. And the boy was ministering to the LORD in the presence of Eli the priest.

1 Samuel 2:11–36 gives us an insight into life at the tabernacle during the time of the Judges. The focus on Eli’s sons in particular shows us that they are part of the arrogant wicked (1 Samuel 2:3), destined to be destroyed.1 The repeated contrast with Samuel serves to establish his credentials and is part of the author’s aim to promote David as God’s chosen king.2

A clear pattern can be seen in the narrative, whereby comments about the sins of Eli and his sons are interspersed with references to Samuel:3

  1. Samuel serving (1 Samuel 2:11)

    • Liturgical sins (1 Samuel 2:12–17)

  2. Samuel serving (1 Samuel 2:18–21)

    • Moral sins (1 Samuel 2:22–25)

  3. Samuel growing (1 Samuel 2:26)

    • Prophecy of judgment (1 Samuel 2:27–36)