1 Samuel 2:25

“If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him, etc. When one man does an injury to another in his person and property, the case is brought before the judge, he hears it, examines into it, and determines upon it, and does justice, orders that the injured person have satisfaction made him, and so the matter is ended: but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him? all sin is in some sense against God, as it is contrary to his nature, and a breach of his law, and especially bold, daring, presumptuous sins; but there are some sins that are more immediately and particularly against God, as sins against the first table of the law, which relate to the worship of God, and…”

“they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because--it should be therefore. the Lord would slay them--It was not God's preordination, but their own wilful and impenitent disobedience which was the cause of their destruction.”

“The sense seems to be, If one man sin against another, the judge shall amerce him in the due penalty, and then he shall be free; but if he sin against the Lord, who shall act the part of judge and arbiter for him? His guilt must remain to the great day of judgment. Because the Lord would slay them - There is a sense in which whatever comes to pass is the accomplishment of God’s sovereign will and pleasure, and all the previous steps, even when they involve moral causes, by which this will and pleasure are brought about, are in this sense also brought about by God. How this truth, which reason and revelation alike acknowledge, consists with man’s free will on the one hand; or, when the evil…”

“The judge - If only man be wronged, man can right it, and reconcile the persons. Against the Lord - As you have done wilfully and presumptuously. Who shall, &c. - The offence is of so high a nature, that few or none will dare to intercede for him, but will leave him to the just judgment of God. The words may be rendered, Who shall judge for him? Who shall interpose as umpire, between God and him? Who shall compound that difference? None can or dare do it, and therefore he must be left to the dreadful, but righteous judgment of God. They had now sinned away their day of grace. They had long hardened their hearts. And God at length gave them up to a reprobate mind, and determined to destroy…”

“2:25 God (or the judges; Hebrew ’elohim): The Hebrew verb translated mediate is plural here, and when ’elohim means “God,” it often appears with a singular verb. In addition, some ancient translations render ’elohim as “judges” here. If that is the correct translation, then the judges would mediate for the guilty party in a common human court. However, many Hebrew scholars believe that ’elohim should never be translated “judges.” If this is the case, in what sense could God mediate for the guilty party? Possibly Eli considered the court verdict to come directly from God. God might work through his revealed law or other circumstances to either acquit or convict an individual charged with…”

“sin against: Deu 17:8-12, Deu 25:1-3 if a man: Sa1 3:14; Num 15:30; Psa 51:4, Psa 51:16; Heb 10:26 who shall: Ti1 2:5; Heb 7:25 hearkened: Deu 2:30; Jos 11:20; Ch2 25:16; Pro 15:10; Joh 12:39, Joh 12:40 because: Rather, therefore, as the particle kee also signifies (see note on Psa 116:10), so Noldius, Ideo voluit Jehova eos interficere, "Therefore Jehovah purposed to destroy them. 1 Kings (1 Samuel) 2:26”

“"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…”