And the sons of Samuel; the firstborn Vashni, and Abiah.
The sons of Samuel - are here named Vashni and Abiah. The first-born is called (1 Samuel 8:2) Joel; and this name is given to him in 1 Chronicles 6:38 of this chapter. It is now generally thought by the best critics-Mede, Kennicott, Jebb, etc.-that, through an error of the copyists, an omission has been made of the oldest son's name, and that х Washniy (H2059)] 'and the second' has been exalted into the name of a person, Vashni. This critical emendation of the text makes all clear as well as consistent with other passages relating to the family of Samuel.