23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
23 So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours.
23 And he said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.
23 Eli took them to task: "What's going on here? Why are you doing these things? I hear story after story of your corrupt and evil carrying on.
23 So he said to them, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all the people.
23 Eli said to them, "I have been hearing reports from all the people about the wicked things you are doing. Why do you keep sinning?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:23
Commentary on 1 Samuel 2:11-26
(Read 1 Samuel 2:11-26)
Samuel, being devoted to the Lord in a special manner, was from a child employed about the sanctuary in the services he was capable of. As he did this with a pious disposition of mind, it was called ministering unto the Lord. He received a blessing from the Lord. Those young people who serve God as well as they can, he will enable to improve, that they may serve him better. Eli shunned trouble and exertion. This led him to indulge his children, without using parental authority to restrain and correct them when young. He winked at the abuses in the service of the sanctuary till they became customs, and led to abominations; and his sons, who should have taught those that engaged in the service of the sanctuary what was good, solicited them to wickedness. Their offence was committed even in offering the sacrifices for sins, which typified the atonement of the Saviour! Sins against the remedy, the atonement itself, are most dangerous, they tread under foot the blood of the covenant. Eli's reproof was far too mild and gentle. In general, none are more abandoned than the degenerate children of godly persons, when they break through restraints.