Topical Bible: Eli: Judge of Israel

◄ Eli: Judge of Israel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Eli, a significant figure in the history of Israel, served as both a priest and judge during a pivotal period in the nation's history. His account is primarily found in the first book of Samuel, where he is depicted as a leader who presided over Israel for forty years (1 Samuel 4:18). Eli's tenure as judge and priest marks a transitional era from the time of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy in Israel.

Priesthood and Leadership

Eli was a descendant of Ithamar, the fourth son of Aaron, and served as the high priest at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. As a priest, Eli was responsible for the spiritual leadership of Israel, overseeing the sacrificial system and maintaining the tabernacle. His role as judge involved settling disputes and providing guidance to the people of Israel.

Family and Failings

Eli's family life is marked by significant challenges, particularly concerning his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The Bible describes them as "worthless men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). They abused their priestly positions, engaging in corrupt practices and immorality, which brought disgrace upon the priesthood and the nation.

Despite being aware of his sons' transgressions, Eli failed to restrain them effectively. A man of God came to Eli with a prophetic message, condemning his household for honoring his sons above the LORD and foretelling the downfall of his family (1 Samuel 2:27-36). This prophecy foreshadowed the eventual judgment that would come upon Eli's house.

Mentorship of Samuel

One of Eli's most notable contributions was his mentorship of Samuel, who would become a pivotal prophet and leader in Israel. Samuel was dedicated to the LORD by his mother, Hannah, and was brought to Eli at a young age to serve in the tabernacle. Eli played a crucial role in Samuel's spiritual development, guiding him in his early years and helping him recognize the voice of God (1 Samuel 3:1-10).

The Fall of Eli's House

The fulfillment of the prophecy against Eli's house came during a battle with the Philistines. The Israelites, seeking victory, brought the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield. However, the Philistines defeated Israel, capturing the Ark and killing Hophni and Phinehas (1 Samuel 4:10-11).

Upon hearing the news of the Ark's capture and the death of his sons, Eli, who was ninety-eight years old and blind, fell backward from his seat, breaking his neck and dying (1 Samuel 4:18). This tragic event marked the end of Eli's leadership and the beginning of a new chapter in Israel's history.

Legacy

Eli's legacy is a complex one, characterized by both his faithful service and his failure to discipline his sons. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of godly leadership and the consequences of neglecting one's spiritual responsibilities. Despite his shortcomings, Eli's role in nurturing Samuel laid the groundwork for the future leadership that would guide Israel through a time of significant change.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 4:18
And it came to pass, when he made mention of the ark of God, that he fell from off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck broke, and he died: for he was an old man, and heavy. And he had judged Israel forty years.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Child Samuel.
... wicked men, and had done many things which were wrong in His sight; also that He
had chosen him to be the leader and judge of the people of Israel after Eli. ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

Israel in Canaan.
... and give him the victory, so that he became ruler and judge over Israel; but no ... out
to battle by the two corrupt young priests, sons of Eli, whose doom ...
//christianbookshelf.org/yonge/the chosen people/lesson v israel in canaan.htm

Religious Zeal.
... Eli, the priest and judge of Israel, had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, and
they were priests in Shiloh. They were utterly bad, profligate ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxv religious zeal.htm

Samuel --The Child of the Temple.
... After this all the people of Israel knew that the Lord had ... up the Lord was with him,
and he was a judge over his ... As for Eli and his sons, the word of the Lord ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xvii samuelthe child of.htm

The Judges.
... Eli was a good but weak man ... and brought him to sorrow and also caused a severe defeat
for Israel. ... His birth was in answer to prayer and as judge or deliverer he ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter ix the judges.htm

First and Second Samuel.
... This book begins with the story of Eli. ... Samuel was not only both judge and priest
and prophet, but as ... as a representative of Jehovah on the throne of Israel. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter viii first and second.htm

Faithlessness and Defeat
... two armies are very much alike, and we may say that the purpose of the picture is
to show how Israel was practically ... Where were Eli the judge and Samuel ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/faithlessness and defeat.htm

The Almighty
... The priests (witness Eli) had failed: there was "no king in ... was going to be a king;
and a judge too; as ... Revelation 11., and the oppressors of Israel destroyed. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the almighty.htm

Judges and Ruth.
... of weakness are to be found in the character of each judge. ... with the Judges treats
the life of Israel from the rule of death of Joshua to the rule of Eli. ...
/.../the way of salvation in the lutheran church/chapter vii judges and ruth.htm

Effectual Calling
... It was a great favour to Samuel that God called to him, and revealed his mind to
him, and passed by Eli, though a priest and a judge in Israel; 1 Samuel 3:3; so ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 effectual calling.htm