1. 1 Samuel 2:12 (NEG79)
  2. Explication du texte

What does it mean for Eli’s sons to be worthless men?

1 Samuel 2:12 (NEG79)

12 Les fils d'Eli étaient des hommes pervers, ils ne connaissaient point l'Eternel.

The Hebrew phrase actually translates as sons of Belial. It is also used in Judges 19:22 in reference to the sexually immoral men of Gibeah, and in Deuteronomy 13:13 of those who seek to incite idolatry.1 Hannah also used this phrase when she defended her actions before Eli (1 Samuel 1:16), who was a poor judge of what is evil.2 In essence, sons of Belial refers to persons that are desperately wicked—people opposed to God in the same way as the devil. For the sons of Eli, it means that they do not care about the Lord or his commandments.3