Topical Bible: Eli: Officiates when Samuel is Presented at the Tabernacle

◄ Eli: Officiates when Samuel is Presented at the Tabernacle ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Eli, a significant figure in the early chapters of 1 Samuel, served as the high priest and judge of Israel. His role in the narrative of Samuel's presentation at the Tabernacle is pivotal, marking a transition in Israel's spiritual leadership. Eli's account is primarily found in 1 Samuel 1-4, where he is depicted as a leader during a time of spiritual decline in Israel.

Background and Role

Eli was a descendant of Ithamar, the fourth son of Aaron, and served as the high priest at Shiloh, where the Tabernacle was located. As high priest, Eli was responsible for the spiritual oversight of Israel, including the administration of sacrifices and the maintenance of the Tabernacle. He also served as a judge, providing leadership and guidance to the people.

Encounter with Hannah

Eli's encounter with Hannah, the mother of Samuel, is a key moment in his narrative. Hannah, deeply distressed by her barrenness, prayed fervently at the Tabernacle, vowing to dedicate her child to the Lord if He granted her a son. Observing her silent prayer, Eli initially misunderstood her actions, thinking she was drunk. However, upon hearing her explanation, Eli blessed her, saying, "Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant the petition you have asked of Him" (1 Samuel 1:17).

Presentation of Samuel

After the birth of Samuel, Hannah fulfilled her vow by bringing the young boy to the Tabernacle to serve the Lord under Eli's guidance. This act of dedication is recorded in 1 Samuel 1:24-28. Hannah declared, "I prayed for this boy, and since the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him, I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:27-28). Eli's acceptance of Samuel into the service of the Tabernacle marked the beginning of Samuel's significant role in Israel's history.

Eli's Leadership and Challenges

Eli's tenure as high priest was marked by challenges, particularly concerning his sons, Hophni and Phinehas. The Bible describes them as "wicked men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). Despite their sinful behavior, Eli failed to restrain them, leading to divine judgment upon his household. A man of God prophesied the downfall of Eli's family, stating, "I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and mind" (1 Samuel 2:35).

Legacy and Transition

Eli's account is a somber reminder of the consequences of spiritual negligence. His failure to discipline his sons and uphold the sanctity of the priesthood led to the loss of the Ark of the Covenant and his own tragic death. Despite these failures, Eli's role in the early life of Samuel was crucial. Under Eli's mentorship, Samuel grew in wisdom and favor with the Lord, eventually becoming a prophet and judge who would lead Israel back to faithfulness.

Eli's narrative serves as a backdrop to the rise of Samuel, illustrating the transition from a period of spiritual decline to one of renewal and divine guidance.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 1:24-28
And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bullocks, and one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, and brought him to the house of the LORD in Shiloh: and the child was young.
Nave's Topical Index