1 Samuel 2:30
Verse
Context
A Prophecy against the House of Eli
29Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’ 30Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Should walk before me for ever - See Exo 29:9; Exo 40:15; Num 25:10-13, where it is positively promised that the priesthood should be continued in the family of Aaron For Ever. But although this promise appears to be absolute, yet we plainly see that, like all other apparently absolute promises of God, it is conditional, i.e., a condition is implied though not expressed. But now - be it far from me - You have walked unworthily; I shall annul my promise, and reverse my ordinance. See Jer 18:9, Jer 18:10. For them that honor me - This is a plan from which God will never depart; this can have no alteration; every promise is made in reference to it; "they who honor God shall be honored; they who despise him shall be lightly esteemed."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, the days come,.... Or, are coming (g); and will quickly come, in a very little time the things, after threatened, began to take place, even in the days of Eli's sons, and the whole was accomplished in about eighty years after: that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house: that is, the strength of him and them, as the Targum, the strength of a man for doing business lying in his arm; meaning by it not long life, as Kimchi, who concludes this sense from what follows; but rather power and authority, or the exercise of the office of high priest, which gave him and his family great esteem and power; or it may be best of all, his children, which are the strength of a man, and the support of his family, see Gen 49:3 that there shall not be an old man in thine house; as there were none when he died, and his two sons, the same day; and the children they left were very young, and Ahitub, who was one of them, could not die an old man, since Ahimelech his son was priest in the time of Saul, who with eighty five priests were slain by his order; and Abiathar his son was deprived of his priesthood in the time of Solomon; though some understand this not of an elder in years, but in office; and that the sense is, that there should be none of his family a senator, or a member of the great sanhedrim, or court of judicature; and so it is interpreted in the Talmud (h); with which agree Ben Gersom and Abarbinel. (g) "venientes", Montanus. (h) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 14. 1.
1 Samuel 2:30
A Prophecy against the House of Eli
29Why then do you kick at My sacrifice and offering that I have prescribed for My dwelling place? You have honored your sons more than Me by fattening yourselves with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel.’ 30Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
The Power of God's Presence
By David Wilkerson6.1K51:38Presence of GodEXO 29:43EXO 40:341SA 2:302CH 16:9MAT 6:332CO 3:18HEB 1:3In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Spirit to create a hunger for righteousness and a desire to read the Word of God. The preacher explains that God's presence and His glory are distinct but interconnected, with the glory appearing only where His presence is. He then references Exodus 34, where God reveals His glory to Moses by proclaiming His name and demonstrating His merciful and forgiving nature.
The Man God Tore Apart
By Leonard Ravenhill3.3K35:32EXO 15:181SA 2:302CH 7:14JER 9:1JOL 2:17MAT 23:37REV 11:15In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesus and stoned the prophets. The preacher recalls a time when he preached on a text with a broken heart, lamenting the lack of spiritual fervor among the congregation. He warns that despite the abundance of material blessings, there will come a time of spiritual famine in America. The sermon concludes with a heartbreaking story of a tragic accident involving a covered wagon and the loss of a mother and child, highlighting the urgency of seeking God before it is too late.
Grace to the Humble (Kannada)
By Zac Poonen2.2K55:291SA 2:30ROM 8:28JAS 4:61PE 5:51JN 4:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that God gives grace to the humble and exalts those who submit to His mighty hand. It contrasts Old Testament honor with New Testament grace, focusing on seeking God's nature over earthly blessings. The message stresses the need to resist the devil through humility and faith, allowing God to exalt believers over sin and the enemy.
God Honours Those Who Honour Him
By Zac Poonen1.8K58:51Honour1SA 2:30MAT 6:33JHN 13:341CO 10:311TI 6:62PE 1:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the character of God. He encourages the audience to look at Jesus as an example in various areas of life, such as money and relationships with women. The speaker highlights that the purpose of God's promises is not to make us materially wealthy or physically healthy, but to enable us to partake in divine nature. He emphasizes that our lives should be a demonstration of God's power and goodness, so that others may see and be drawn to Him.
(Beginning a New Year) the Spirit and the Throne
By Zac Poonen1.7K1:02:19DiscipleshipThe Holy SpiritGEN 1:21SA 2:30ISA 6:1MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 14:26ROM 8:281CO 12:32TI 3:13REV 4:1Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of being lifted by the Holy Spirit to truly understand God's Word and experience His fullness. He reflects on Revelation 4:1, where John is called to come up higher, illustrating that earthly distractions prevent us from grasping divine truths. Poonen warns against the dangers of relying on our own understanding and encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to see the throne of God, which provides perspective and strength for the challenges ahead. He stresses that true discipleship requires humility and a willingness to surrender everything to Jesus, who must be the center of our lives. As we enter a new year, Poonen calls for a renewed commitment to making Jesus Lord in every aspect of our lives.
(Youth Conference 2006) Be Faithful in These Little Matters
By Zac Poonen1.7K57:051SA 2:30PSA 139:16MAT 19:16MRK 10:17MRK 10:21In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the idea that our lives are predetermined by God. He shares a personal anecdote about how he believes angels intervened to protect him on the road. The speaker emphasizes the importance of accepting and embracing the circumstances of our lives, just as Jesus did when he was born in a humble setting. He also discusses the story of the rich young ruler from Mark's Gospel, highlighting the qualities of respect and desire for eternal life that the young man possessed. The speaker encourages young people to show respect to their elders and warns about the temptations of sex.
Matthew 5:44
By William MacDonald1.4K37:46Love Your Enemies1SA 2:301SA 16:72KI 5:4MAT 5:44MAT 6:33ROM 12:22CO 12:9In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing Matthew 5:44, emphasizing the importance of taking a stand for Christ and how God honors those who honor Him. The speaker then moves on to Second Kings 5:4, highlighting the significance of unnamed individuals who have done great things for God. The sermon also shares the story of Mitsuo Fushida, a man who came across a copy of the New Testament and was deeply impacted by the Gospel of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Fushida was particularly moved by Luke 23:34, where Jesus prays for forgiveness for those who crucified Him.
The Spirit and the Throne
By Zac Poonen1.3K1:02:44GEN 1:11SA 2:30ISA 6:1MAT 11:28MRK 8:341CO 12:3JAS 4:10REV 2:4REV 4:1This sermon emphasizes the importance of making Jesus Lord of our lives, highlighting the need to surrender all areas to Him, including pride, reputation, and past mistakes. It stresses the significance of recognizing God's authority and seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit to empower us for God's work. The message urges humility, repentance, and a deep desire to prioritize God above all else, acknowledging that true transformation and spiritual growth come from surrendering completely to Jesus as Lord.
Prove Me Now - Part 2
By Keith Daniel1.2K09:301SA 2:30PSA 41:1PRO 11:24PRO 19:17MAT 6:24MAT 19:24MRK 8:36LUK 16:13ROM 12:21TI 6:10This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring God in business decisions, even when faced with pressure to compromise. It tells the story of a man who chose to show kindness and compassion to the poor, leading to unexpected blessings and financial success despite initial opposition and ridicule. The narrative highlights the principle of God honoring those who honor Him, even in the realm of finances and business.
Prove Me Now - Part 3
By Keith Daniel1.2K09:491SA 2:30PRO 3:5MAT 6:33This sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring God above all else, even in the face of opposition and criticism. It tells the story of a man who chose to prioritize God's commandments over worldly success and faced severe backlash, yet ultimately experienced God's blessings and favor for his obedience and faithfulness.
(Secret of Paul's Authority) 5. Paul Accepted Suffering Joyfully
By Zac Poonen1.2K38:18Authority1SA 2:302CO 4:62CO 6:102CO 11:23HEB 11:6JAS 1:23In this sermon, the speaker focuses on 2 Corinthians 4:6 and discusses the concept of being earthen vessels for God's glory. He emphasizes that God chooses to use weak and imperfect vessels to display His power. The speaker shares a poem that describes the pressure and challenges faced by the apostle Paul, highlighting how Paul's response to these pressures communicated God's power to others. The sermon encourages listeners to allow God to break and mold them, so that His power can be manifested through their lives. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of applying these truths to our own lives and not just observing them objectively.
God Protects Us Against Our Enemies
By Zac Poonen5801:03:181SA 2:30EST 4:14PRO 22:1MAT 10:25ACT 7:60This sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and integrity, even in the face of opposition and challenges. Drawing insights from the story of Esther in the Bible, it highlights the need to trust in God's timing and providence, showing how God can turn situations around for those who honor Him. The message encourages believers to be willing to endure hardships, persecution, and even loss for the sake of their faith, knowing that God ultimately honors those who stand for Him.
The Law of Faith
By Zac Poonen4931:07:511SA 2:30PSA 37:25ISA 11:2JER 29:11MAT 6:25HEB 11:6This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God diligently, trusting in His provision, and honoring Him in all aspects of life. It highlights the faithfulness of God in rewarding those who believe in His existence, care, and promises. The speaker encourages a life of righteousness, faith, and trust in God's plans for a blessed future.
Honour and Wisdom
By Thaddeus Barnum49231:18Honour1SA 2:30MAT 15:8ACT 5:29ACT 17:7REV 2:13REV 3:14In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not compromising one's faith in Jesus. He encourages the audience to consider what is in it for them, how people will respond, and what it will cost to stand for their beliefs. The preacher references Matthew 15 and 1 Samuel 2:30 to highlight the need to honor God with both lips and heart. He shares a powerful testimony from a young man named Harrison, who spoke about the challenges of being a Christian in a secular high school. Overall, the sermon urges listeners to build the character of honor and to prioritize honoring God above all else.
Practicing Honour
By Thaddeus Barnum37234:00ObedienceHonorHonour1SA 2:30EST 2:10EST 2:20PSA 145:8PRO 18:12MAT 23:12JHN 14:15EPH 6:1COL 3:23JAS 3:9Thaddeus Barnum emphasizes the significance of practicing honor in our lives, urging the congregation to pray for the character of honor to be built within them. He discusses how humility is the foundation of honor and how obedience to God and authority figures can transform our relationships and culture. Using the story of Esther, Barnum illustrates the consequences of dishonor and the importance of honoring God, family, and community. He challenges the church to be a light in a culture that often embraces dishonor, encouraging everyone to reflect God's character through their actions. Ultimately, he calls for a collective commitment to honor in all aspects of life, starting with personal prayer and reflection.
Honor God
By C.H. Spurgeon1ObedienceHonoring God1SA 2:30PRO 3:9C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of making the honor of God the primary focus of our lives, asserting that those who honor God will ultimately receive His honor in return. He reflects on the consequences faced by Eli and his sons for failing to honor the Lord, illustrating that true dignity and glory come from holy obedience rather than worldly recognition. Spurgeon encourages believers to actively seek ways to honor God through their actions, words, and offerings, reminding them that even if they face shame in the world, God's honor is far more valuable. He challenges listeners to consider practical steps they can take to promote God's glory in their daily lives.
Philippians 2:1-4
By St. John Chrysostom01SA 2:30PSA 51:16DAN 2:30ACT 3:121CO 4:32CO 4:5PHP 2:2John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of unity, love, and humility among believers, emphasizing the need to have the same mind, love one another, and be of one accord. He urges against selfish ambition, vainglory, and factionalism, highlighting the significance of considering others better than oneself. Chrysostom stresses that true joy is found in fulfilling the joy of others through compassion, love, and tender mercies, ultimately reflecting the love and fellowship in Christ.
The Nature and Danger of Making Light of Christ and Salvation
By Samuel Davies01SA 2:30ISA 55:1MAT 13:46MAT 16:26JHN 4:5JHN 4:13ACT 2:371CO 2:81PE 1:12Samuel Davies preaches about the nature and danger of making light of Christ and salvation, emphasizing the need to value and earnestly pursue a saving interest in Jesus. He highlights how individuals often neglect the blessings of the gospel, despite the immense love and sacrifice Christ has shown towards them. Davies urges the congregation to consider their thoughts, actions, and affections towards Christ, pointing out the folly of prioritizing worldly pleasures over eternal salvation. He warns of the consequences of disregarding Christ, stressing the importance of awakening to the reality of judgment and the urgency of seeking a genuine relationship with the Savior.
Matthew 11:7-17. Jesus Commends John the Baptist.
By Favell Lee Mortimer0GEN 32:261SA 2:30MAL 4:5MAT 11:11Favell Lee Mortimer preaches about the honor God bestows on those who honor Him, using John the Baptist as an example of someone greatly honored by Christ. Jesus emphasizes the importance of spiritual insight over worldly splendor, highlighting how those who believe in Him have a deeper understanding of salvation than even John did. He warns about the violence the kingdom of heaven faces from worldly persecutors and affirms John as the fulfillment of the prophecy regarding Elijah's return, despite the disbelief of many. This passage serves as a reminder to evaluate the impact of faithful preaching on our hearts and urges us to earnestly strive for salvation despite the challenges we may face.
(Secrets of Victory) 10. Faith in God - or Faith in Money?
By Zac Poonen01SA 2:302CH 16:9PSA 37:25PRO 19:14MAT 6:33MRK 10:27LUK 16:13HEB 6:121JN 5:4Zac Poonen preaches about the power struggle between serving God and serving money (Mammon), emphasizing the need for believers to have more faith in God than the world has in money. He shares personal experiences of relying on God's provision and timing, highlighting the importance of faith and patience in receiving God's blessings. Poonen stresses the significance of aligning our desires with God's will to avoid unnecessary problems and to experience God's faithfulness in all areas of life, including finances and relationships.
Ogmore Grammar School
By Gareth Evans01SA 2:30PSA 32:8PRO 3:5PRO 16:9PHP 4:19Gareth Evans shares a testimony of God's divine guidance in his career journey, highlighting how God orchestrated opportunities and closed doors to lead him to the right teaching positions. Despite facing closed doors and uncertainties, God's hand was evident in providing the perfect teaching post at Ogmore Grammar School upon his return from Hong Kong. Through various appointments and roles in different schools, Gareth experienced God's faithfulness and favor, being recognized for his integrity and trustworthiness among colleagues.
John 1:1 - Part 2
By St. John Chrysostom01SA 2:30MAT 6:33JHN 5:441TH 2:6John Chrysostom preaches about the dangers of seeking worldly glory and the importance of focusing on God's approval rather than the applause of others. He emphasizes the detrimental effects of vainglory, which blinds individuals to truth, leads to dishonor, and causes them to prioritize the opinions of the crowd over God's will. Chrysostom urges his audience to reject the empty pursuit of human honor and instead seek the true honor that comes from living according to God's standards, reminding them that God rewards those who seek His approval above all else.
Samuel Grew Up "In Favour Both With the Lord and With Men"
By Zac Poonen01SA 1:111SA 2:261SA 2:301SA 3:101SA 3:18LUK 1:46Zac Poonen preaches on the powerful story of Hannah's prayer for a child, highlighting her selfless vow to dedicate her son to the Lord, shifting the focus from her need to God's need. Through Hannah's example, we learn the importance of honoring our commitments to God and raising children in the fear of the Lord. The contrast between Samuel's godly upbringing and Eli's failure to discipline his immoral sons serves as a lesson on the impact of godly parenting. Samuel's attentive listening to God's voice and his boldness in delivering God's message to Eli demonstrate the importance of being alert and obedient to God's leading.
Letter 116
By James Bourne01SA 2:30JOB 33:28PSA 34:18PRO 3:5ISA 48:10James Bourne preaches about the journey of being found by the Lord, feeling lost and condemned, but ultimately experiencing deliverance and enlightenment through God's mercy and grace. He emphasizes the importance of humbling oneself, acknowledging one's faults, and surrendering to God's will, even in the face of trials and misunderstandings from others. Bourne encourages leaning on God's wisdom rather than relying on human understanding, and highlights the refining process God takes us through to purify our hearts and bring us closer to Him.
Honoring the Lord
By Octavius Winslow0Faith and TrustHonoring God1SA 2:30PSA 138:2JHN 3:16ROM 10:17EPH 2:8HEB 11:6Octavius Winslow emphasizes the importance of honoring God as stated in 1 Samuel 2:30, warning against the dangers of interpreting Scripture through human standards rather than accepting it as divinely inspired. He reflects on Eli's failure to honor God by allowing his sons' sinful behavior to persist, urging believers to fully trust in God's Word and His promises. Winslow encourages a childlike faith that glorifies God and reassures the believer of His faithfulness and ability to save. He concludes by highlighting the honor bestowed upon us to accept Christ's salvation, urging us to prioritize God's glory over our own. Ultimately, honoring God leads to His honor being reflected back upon us.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Should walk before me for ever - See Exo 29:9; Exo 40:15; Num 25:10-13, where it is positively promised that the priesthood should be continued in the family of Aaron For Ever. But although this promise appears to be absolute, yet we plainly see that, like all other apparently absolute promises of God, it is conditional, i.e., a condition is implied though not expressed. But now - be it far from me - You have walked unworthily; I shall annul my promise, and reverse my ordinance. See Jer 18:9, Jer 18:10. For them that honor me - This is a plan from which God will never depart; this can have no alteration; every promise is made in reference to it; "they who honor God shall be honored; they who despise him shall be lightly esteemed."
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, the days come,.... Or, are coming (g); and will quickly come, in a very little time the things, after threatened, began to take place, even in the days of Eli's sons, and the whole was accomplished in about eighty years after: that I will cut off thine arm, and the arm of thy father's house: that is, the strength of him and them, as the Targum, the strength of a man for doing business lying in his arm; meaning by it not long life, as Kimchi, who concludes this sense from what follows; but rather power and authority, or the exercise of the office of high priest, which gave him and his family great esteem and power; or it may be best of all, his children, which are the strength of a man, and the support of his family, see Gen 49:3 that there shall not be an old man in thine house; as there were none when he died, and his two sons, the same day; and the children they left were very young, and Ahitub, who was one of them, could not die an old man, since Ahimelech his son was priest in the time of Saul, who with eighty five priests were slain by his order; and Abiathar his son was deprived of his priesthood in the time of Solomon; though some understand this not of an elder in years, but in office; and that the sense is, that there should be none of his family a senator, or a member of the great sanhedrim, or court of judicature; and so it is interpreted in the Talmud (h); with which agree Ben Gersom and Abarbinel. (g) "venientes", Montanus. (h) T. Bab. Sanhedrin, fol. 14. 1.