Topical Encyclopedia Eli's House and PriesthoodEli was a significant figure in the history of Israel, serving as a priest and judge. He is primarily known for his role in the early life of the prophet Samuel and his tragic family legacy. Eli's account is found in the books of 1 Samuel, where he is depicted as a man of God who ultimately faced divine judgment due to the actions of his sons. Eli served as a priest at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was kept. He was responsible for the spiritual leadership of Israel during a time when the nation was transitioning from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy. Eli's priesthood is marked by his dedication to the service of the Lord, but it is also overshadowed by the misconduct of his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Eli's Sons Hophni and Phinehas, Eli's sons, were also priests, but they were corrupt and disobedient to God's laws. They are described in 1 Samuel 2:12 as "worthless men; they did not know the LORD." Their sins included taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves and engaging in immoral behavior with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting (1 Samuel 2:22). Eli, although aware of his sons' actions, failed to restrain them effectively. This failure to discipline his sons and uphold the sanctity of the priesthood led to a prophetic judgment against his house. A man of God came to Eli and declared that his family's priestly line would be cut off and that both of his sons would die on the same day (1 Samuel 2:27-34). The Call of Samuel Eli played a crucial role in the life of Samuel, who was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah. Samuel was brought to Eli at a young age to serve in the house of the Lord. Eli recognized the Lord's call to Samuel and instructed him on how to respond. This guidance was pivotal in Samuel's development as a prophet (1 Samuel 3:1-10). The Fulfillment of Judgment The prophecy against Eli's house was fulfilled when the Philistines defeated Israel in battle, and the Ark of the Covenant was captured. Both Hophni and Phinehas were killed on the same day, as foretold (1 Samuel 4:11). Upon hearing the news of the Ark's capture and the death of his sons, Eli fell backward from his seat, broke his neck, and died at the age of ninety-eight (1 Samuel 4:18). Legacy Eli's legacy is a somber reminder of the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God's commands. His account highlights the consequences of failing to address sin within one's own household and the impact of leadership on the spiritual health of a community. Despite his personal devotion, Eli's inability to correct his sons' behavior led to the downfall of his family line and served as a catalyst for the rise of Samuel, who would become a pivotal figure in Israel's history. Strong's Hebrew 5941. Eli -- a priest at Shiloh... 5940, 5941. Eli. 5942 . a priest at Shiloh. Transliteration: Eli Phonetic Spelling: (ay-lee') Short Definition: Eli. Word Origin ... /hebrew/5941.htm - 6k Library How under Eli's Government of the Israelites Booz Married Ruth ... The Child Prophet The Child Samuel. The Contents. Interpretation of Prophecy. The Northern Iron and the Steel Kissing the Rod. The Call of Matthew Samuel --The Child of the Temple. Repentance and victory Thesaurus Eli's (3 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Eli's (3 Occurrences). 1 Samuel 3:14 Therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli, that the iniquity of Eli's... /e/eli's.htm - 7k Ithamar (20 Occurrences) Eli (36 Occurrences) Zadok (50 Occurrences) Elisabeth (8 Occurrences) Jarha (2 Occurrences) Ichabod (2 Occurrences) Eliph'elet (8 Occurrences) Expiated (6 Occurrences) Purged (19 Occurrences) Resources Who was Eli in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho were Hophni and Phinehas? | GotQuestions.org Who was Samuel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Eli's (3 Occurrences)1 Samuel 3:14 1 Samuel 4:4 1 Samuel 4:11 Subtopics Related Terms |
    |