JETS 30:3 (September 1987) p. 295 phenomenon that will, according to the prophecy, become commonplace: Eli’s own two sons are cut off in the prime of life. In 2 Kings it is a sign that Sennacherib has indeed been unsuccessful and that the further judgment will indeed proceed as predicted. In each case the sign serves as a down payment of sorts. The long-term prophecy has been vouchsafed by the deposit that is represented in the sign. The sign is not always the judgment itself In 1 Samuel it is, but