Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Eli's Sons

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Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are notable figures in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 1 Samuel. They serve as a cautionary example of corruption and disobedience within the priesthood, highlighting the consequences of straying from God's commandments.

Background and Role

Hophni and Phinehas were the sons of Eli, the high priest of Israel, during the time when the tabernacle was located at Shiloh. As priests, they were responsible for performing sacred duties and maintaining the spiritual integrity of Israel's worship. However, their actions were in stark contrast to their holy calling.

Corruption and Sin

The Bible describes Hophni and Phinehas as "worthless men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). Their transgressions were manifold, including the exploitation of their priestly office for personal gain. They violated the sacrificial system by taking portions of the offerings meant for God, as detailed in 1 Samuel 2:13-17. This abuse of power not only desecrated the sacrifices but also led the people to despise the offerings of the LORD.

Moreover, their immorality extended beyond greed. They engaged in sexual misconduct with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (1 Samuel 2:22). Such actions further demonstrated their blatant disregard for the sanctity of their position and the holiness required of those who served before the LORD.

Divine Judgment

The LORD's response to the sins of Eli's sons was one of severe judgment. A man of God came to Eli, delivering a prophetic message that foretold the downfall of his house due to the iniquity of his sons and Eli's failure to restrain them (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The prophecy declared that both Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day as a sign of God's judgment (1 Samuel 2:34).

This prophecy was fulfilled during a battle with the Philistines. The Israelites, led by Hophni and Phinehas, brought the Ark of the Covenant into the battlefield, hoping it would secure victory. However, the Philistines defeated Israel, killed Hophni and Phinehas, and captured the Ark (1 Samuel 4:10-11). The news of their death and the loss of the Ark led to Eli's own death upon hearing the report (1 Samuel 4:17-18).

Legacy and Lessons

The account of Eli's sons serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of faithfulness and integrity in spiritual leadership. Their lives illustrate the dangers of neglecting God's commands and the inevitable consequences of sin. The narrative underscores the necessity for leaders to uphold righteousness and to guide their families and communities in the ways of the LORD.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 2:12-17,22,25,28,29
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... requiring obedience as one that should adorn a Christian minister: "a bishop ... melancholy
is the fact, that in many Christian families they ... See it in Eli's case. ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... Tongue, and all other things which a Christian ought to ... would be a great Encouragement
to the Minister to take ... to Samuel, For I have told him, even Eli, that I ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

The Instrumentality of the Wicked Employed by God, While He ...
... INSTITUTES OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION ... revolt of the ten tribes, the death of Eli's
sons, and very ... own just vengeance; whereas Satan is only his minister (see Calv ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 18 the instrumentality of.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... A thriving people are a minister's crown. ... If a Christian has any assistance in duty,
any strength against ... Eli's two disobedient sons were slain.1 Sam 4: 2: God ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... Like Eli's sons, they are in white linen, but have scarlet sins ... the blood stirs and
operates; so Christian, judge of ... our wants, and shall we not minister to the ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... Q. Who is a Christian?"A. One that is born ... 21:10), Esau hated (Galatians 4:30), Eli's
sons died suddenly ... of God in heaven to attend on, and minister for thee ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

Obadiah; Or, Early Piety Eminent Piety
... became disgusted with the wickedness of Eli's sons the child ... to be married to a
Christian woman, and ... Where the minister's sermon fails, the child's prayer may ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/obadiah or early piety eminent.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... blessed spirits, who are sent forth to minister to them who ... This part of Christian
perfection, though begun on earth ... when God was about to visit Eli's house, he ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

A Private Enquiry
... was a good and punctual workman, but not a Christian man ... This Samuel was to Eli like
a grandchild ... this little one brought into the temple to minister there, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a private enquiry.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... CHAP. X. The simple Christian's views of extortion,. ... Eli's sons being bad before
the congregation, made men despise the sacrifices of the Lord (1 Samuel 2). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm