1Sa 2:25 | KD | STEP | “ If man sins against man, God judges him; but if a man sins against Jehovah, who can interpose with entreaty for him ?” In the use of פּללו and יתפּלּל־לו there is a paranomasia which cannot be reproduced in our language. פּלּל signifies to decide or pass sentence ( ), then to arbitrate, to settle a dispute as arbitrator ( ; ), and in the Hithpael to act as mediator, hence to entreat. And these meanings are applicable here. In the case of one man’s sin against another, God settles the dispute as arbitrator through the proper authorities; whereas, when a man sins against God, no one can interpose as arbitrator. Such a sin cannot be disposed of by intercession. But Eli’s sons did not listen to this admonition, which was designed to reform daring sinners with mild words and representation; “ for ,” adds the historian, “ Jehovah was resolved to slay them .” The father’s reproof made no impression upon them, because they were already given up to the judgment of hardening. (On hardening as a divine sentence, see the discussions at Exo 4:21.)

‏ 1 Samuel 2:25

“If man sins against man, God judges him; but if a man sins against Jehovah, who can interpose with entreaty for him?” In the use of פּללו and יתפּלּל־לו there is a paranomasia which cannot be reproduced in our language. פּלּל signifies to decide or pass sentence (Gen 48:11), then to arbitrate, to settle a dispute as arbitrator (Eze 16:52; Psa 106:30), and in the Hithpael to act as mediator, hence to entreat. And these meanings are applicable here. In the case of one man’s sin against another, God settles the dispute as arbitrator through the proper authorities; whereas, when a man sins against God, no one can interpose as arbitrator. Such a sin cannot be disposed of by intercession. But Eli’s sons did not listen to this admonition, which was designed to reform daring sinners with mild words and representation; “for,” adds the historian, “Jehovah was resolved to slay them.” The father’s reproof made no impression upon them, because they were already given up to the judgment of hardening. (On hardening as a divine sentence, see the discussions at Exo 4:21.)