In his old age, Samuel appoints his sons Joel and Abijah as judges, but they judge corruptly and take money to determine outcomes.
Now Samuel is old. He has judged Israel for many years. God had retained the legislative branch of Israel’s government to Himself, but had delegated to the people to administer the laws and appoint judges to rule over them (Deuteronomy 16:18). Samuel had been confirmed as a prophet throughout Israel (1 Samuel 1:20). Samuel was also recognized by Israel as a judge, and he “judged Israel all the days of his life” (1 Samuel 7:15). Now it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel.
This likely was an inappropriate action on Samuel’s part, since God had delegated power to the people to appoint the judges. Samuel had appointed two sons as judges, and the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah. Apparently Samuel had appointed them to judge a portion of Israel as a training ground, as they were judging in Beersheba, which is in the southern portion of Israel. Samuel apparently did not learn the lesson from watching his mentor Eli, whose sons were corrupt and brought judgement on Israel (1 Samuel 2-3). Samuel’s sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain, and took bribes and perverted justice. In spite of this, Samuel did not remove them.
Biblical Text
And it came about when Samuel was old that he appointed his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judging in Beersheba. 3 His sons, however, did not walk in his ways, but turned aside after dishonest gain and took bribes and perverted justice.
Check out our other commentaries:
-
Ecclesiastes 9:17-18 meaning
Trying to control others through shouting and coercion is destructive while quiet words of wisdom are more powerful than weapons of war....... -
1 Thessalonians 5:12-22 meaning
Paul summarizes what sanctified living looks like for the Thessalonians. They should support their leaders, be at peace with one another, help those who are...... -
1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 meaning
The Thessalonians are always in Paul’s thoughts and prayers. He affirms to them that they are loved by God, and that he has heard report...... -
Romans 8:26-27 meaning
In the same way that we are not fully redeemed, our ability to communicate with God is not fully restored. In our weakness, the Holy...... -
Exodus 32:1-6 meaning
After Moses stayed on Mt. Sinai longer than expected, the Israelites decided they would make their own god. Aaron went along with the plan and......
