Topical Encyclopedia Adultery, a grievous sin in the biblical context, is prominently illustrated in the narrative of the sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas. These two men, who served as priests at the tabernacle in Shiloh, are depicted in the Scriptures as embodying moral corruption and disobedience to God's commandments. Their actions serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of straying from divine law.The account of Hophni and Phinehas is found in the book of 1 Samuel. The Bible describes them as "worthless men" who "did not know the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12, BSB). Their transgressions were manifold, but among the most egregious was their engagement in sexual immorality. The Scriptures state, "They slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting" (1 Samuel 2:22, BSB). This act of adultery was not only a personal sin but also a desecration of the sacred space of worship, highlighting their blatant disregard for the holiness required of those who minister before the Lord. The sin of adultery, as committed by the sons of Eli, is condemned throughout the Bible. It violates the sanctity of marriage, a covenant relationship established by God, and is seen as an affront to His divine order. In the Old Testament, the commandment "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14, BSB) underscores the seriousness with which God views this sin. The actions of Hophni and Phinehas, therefore, represent a direct violation of this commandment, reflecting their spiritual and moral decay. Eli, their father and the high priest, is portrayed as a man who failed to restrain his sons. Despite being aware of their sinful behavior, Eli's rebuke was insufficient to bring about repentance or change. He confronted them, saying, "Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people" (1 Samuel 2:23, BSB). However, his lack of decisive action contributed to the continuation of their sinful conduct, ultimately leading to divine judgment upon his household. The consequences of the sons' adultery and other sins were severe. A man of God came to Eli with a prophetic message, declaring that both Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day as a sign of God's judgment (1 Samuel 2:34, BSB). This prophecy was fulfilled during a battle with the Philistines, where both sons were killed, and the Ark of the Covenant was captured (1 Samuel 4:11, BSB). Their deaths marked the end of Eli's lineage in the priesthood, as God raised up Samuel to lead Israel. The account of Hophni and Phinehas serves as a sobering reminder of the destructive power of adultery and the importance of faithfulness to God's commands. It illustrates the broader biblical theme that sin, particularly among those in positions of spiritual leadership, can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the individuals involved but also the community they serve. Nave's Topical Index 1 Samuel 2:22Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did to all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. Nave's Topical Index Library The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ... And Forgive us Our Debts as we Also have Forgiven Our Debtors Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Meditations for the Sick. Discussion of the Subject of Permission Acts iii. 1 Instruction for the Ignorant: The Right Understanding of the Law Letter Lxix. To Oceanus. Letter cxlvii. To Sabinianus. Resources What does the Bible say about adultery? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the biblical punishment for adultery? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall not commit adultery" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Adultery: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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