1 Samuel 2:20

For the loan which is lent] rather, 'in return for the petition which was made for (i.e. for the benefit of) the Lord,' i.e. in place of Samuel, the man-child who, if born, was to be given to the Lord.

22. Assembled at] RV 'did service at.' It is probable that these women were permanently connected with the Tabernacle: cp. Exodus 38:8.

Lay with the women] There is no doubt that the surrender of their chastity was regarded by the women of Canaan and Syria as the highest sacrifice they could make in honour of their gods. The sons of Eli introduced these immoral rites into the worship of Jehovah, and hence the severity of their condemnation.