Eli, a significant figure in the Old Testament, serves as a poignant example of an afflicted saint. As the high priest of Israel and a judge, Eli's life and experiences are chronicled primarily in the book of 1 Samuel. His account is marked by both spiritual leadership and personal tragedy, reflecting the complexities of faith and the consequences of human frailty.

Background and Role

Eli was a descendant of Ithamar, the fourth son of Aaron, and served as a priest at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. He is introduced in 1 Samuel 1, where he encounters Hannah, a devout woman praying for a child. Misunderstanding her silent prayers for drunkenness, Eli initially rebukes her but later blesses her, leading to the birth of Samuel, who would become a pivotal prophet in Israel's history.

Afflictions and Challenges

Eli's afflictions are primarily tied to his family, particularly his two sons, Hophni and Phinehas. Despite his position as high priest, Eli's sons were corrupt, engaging in sinful practices that desecrated the priesthood and the sacrifices offered to God. The Bible describes their actions in 1 Samuel 2:12-17, highlighting their disregard for the Lord's offerings and their immoral behavior.

Eli's failure to restrain his sons and enforce discipline is a central aspect of his affliction. In 1 Samuel 2:22-25, Eli confronts his sons about their wickedness, but his rebuke is ineffective. The Lord sends a man of God to Eli with a message of judgment, declaring that his house would suffer consequences due to the iniquity of his sons and his failure to restrain them (1 Samuel 2:27-36).

Divine Judgment and Personal Suffering

The culmination of Eli's afflictions is seen in the fulfillment of the prophecy against his house. In 1 Samuel 4, the Israelites face the Philistines in battle, and the Ark of the Covenant is captured. Both Hophni and Phinehas are killed, and upon hearing the news, Eli falls backward from his seat, breaks his neck, and dies at the age of ninety-eight (1 Samuel 4:17-18).

Eli's death marks the end of his troubled tenure as high priest. His life serves as a somber reminder of the importance of faithful stewardship and the severe consequences of neglecting one's spiritual responsibilities. Despite his personal failings, Eli's initial faithfulness in recognizing and nurturing Samuel's calling (1 Samuel 3) demonstrates his enduring commitment to God's service.

Legacy and Reflection

Eli's account is a testament to the complexities of human leadership within the divine narrative. His afflictions, rooted in familial and spiritual challenges, underscore the necessity of vigilance and integrity in spiritual leadership. Eli's life invites reflection on the balance between authority and accountability, and the enduring impact of one's actions on future generations.1 Samuel 3:18
And Samuel told him every whit, and hid nothing from him. And he said, It is the LORD: let him do what seems him good.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

City of God
... to Evil Induces Him Rather to Follow the Examples of the ... Chapter 22.--That the Bodies
of the Saints Shall After the ... of God Spake by the Spirit to Eli the Priest ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/

A Few Sighs from Hell;
... Moreover, 'the dogs came and licked his sores.' Here again you may see, not only
the afflicted state of the saints of God in this world, but also that even ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

The Doctrine
... a further declaration of the most important truths of revelation, this work on the
two covenants was sent forth to chastise error, and comfort the saints of God ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm

Christian Behavior
... you see how wise men and fools, saints and sinners ... This did Eli, though not enough;
and thus did David ... to their houses, if they had any afflicted, that either ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

The Acceptable Sacrifice;
... Therefore it is a seasonable duty with old Eli to sit trembling for it. ... an apostle';
I am 'less than the least of all saints'; I was ... 'I am afflicted and ready ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the acceptable sacrifice.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... from iniquity is to depart from sinful examples, to shut ... house there are golden and
silver saints, so there ... the name of God, they are not afflicted because men ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm

Introduction to Oration ii.
... Does he not all but hear the wailing as if close at hand, and himself wail with
the afflicted. A little further is a more striking and impassioned strain. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/introduction to oration ii.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... the mass, by our lady, by saints, beasts, birds ... was somewhat abashed, the man greatly
afflicted, and I ... instruction, nor good sermons, nor good examples, no nor ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Why did Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.org

What is the passion of Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Where does the Old Testament predict the coming of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.org

Afflicted: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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