“Wherefore the LORD God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy house, and the house of thy father, should walk before me for ever: but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me; for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.”
This verse is part of a larger passage that recounts the prophecy given to Eli, the high priest, by a man of God concerning the consequences for Eli’s family’s disobedience. It provides valuable insights into God’s nature and His response to those who honor or despise Him.
The Context:In the preceding verses, the man of God rebuked Eli for the sins committed by his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were also priests. These priests were corrupt and dishonored God by exploiting their positions for personal gain and engaging in immoral behaviour. As a result, God declared judgment upon Eli’s house, foretelling the demise of his lineage and the transfer of the priestly duties to another faithful family.
God’s Initial Promise:In the first part of 1 Samuel 2:30, the Lord reminds Eli of the initial promise He made to him and his father’s house. God had chosen them to serve as priests and granted them the privilege of walking before Him forever. This promise indicated that their descendants would continue to hold the priestly office and minister in the presence of God.
God’s Revised Response:However, the latter part of the verse reveals a change in God’s stance towards Eli’s family. The Lord states, “but now the LORD saith, Be it far from me.” This phrase signifies a reversal of the previous promise. God expresses His dissatisfaction with the actions of Eli’s sons and declares that He will not allow them or their descendants to continue in the priestly role.
God’s Principle:The verse concludes with a principle that emphasizes God’s response to those who honor or despise Him. He states, “for them that honour me I will honour, and they that despise me shall be lightly esteemed.” This principle highlights the importance of reverence and obedience to God. Those who honour and respect God will receive His blessings and favour, while those who despise Him or treat Him lightly will be regarded as insignificant.
Application:This verse serves as a reminder to all believers of the importance of honouring and revering God. It shows that God’s promises and blessings are contingent upon our faithfulness and obedience. When we genuinely honour God with our actions, attitudes, and words, He reciprocates by honouring us and bestowing His favour upon us. On the other hand, if we disregard or disrespect God, we can expect to be lightly esteemed and experience the consequences of our choices.
