Topical Encyclopedia Eli is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, serving as a priest and judge of Israel. His account is primarily found in the books of 1 Samuel, where he is depicted as a leader during a transitional period in Israel's history. Eli's role as a judge is unique, as he is not listed among the traditional judges in the Book of Judges, yet he holds a position of considerable influence and authority.Eli as Priest and Judge Eli served as the high priest at Shiloh, where the Ark of the Covenant was housed. His priestly duties included overseeing the sacrificial system and maintaining the spiritual welfare of the nation. As a judge, Eli was responsible for administering justice and providing leadership to the Israelites. His dual role as both priest and judge underscores the theocratic nature of Israel's governance during this period. Family and Legacy Eli's family plays a crucial role in his narrative. He had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who are described as corrupt and wicked. Despite Eli's position, he failed to restrain his sons, leading to divine judgment upon his household. The Lord declared through a prophet that Eli's lineage would be cut off from the priesthood due to the sins of his sons and his inability to correct them (1 Samuel 2:27-36). Interaction with Samuel One of the most notable aspects of Eli's account is his relationship with Samuel, who would become a pivotal prophet and judge in Israel. Eli was instrumental in Samuel's early life, as Samuel was dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, and served under Eli's guidance at Shiloh. It was during Eli's tenure that the Lord called Samuel, marking the beginning of Samuel's prophetic ministry (1 Samuel 3:1-18). Eli's Death and the Fall of Shiloh Eli's death is a significant event that marks the end of an era. The Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant, and upon hearing the news, Eli fell backward from his seat, broke his neck, and died at the age of ninety-eight (1 Samuel 4:12-18). This event signified a turning point for Israel, as the loss of the Ark and Eli's death symbolized the decline of Shiloh as the central place of worship. Significance in Biblical History Eli's life and leadership highlight the challenges of maintaining faithfulness to God's covenant amidst moral and spiritual decline. His account serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of failing to uphold God's standards, particularly in leadership and family. Despite his shortcomings, Eli's role in nurturing Samuel set the stage for a new chapter in Israel's history, as Samuel would lead the nation through a period of renewal and transition to monarchy. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 4:18And 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. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Historical Books. The Jewish Institutions and Laws of Far Higher Antiquity than the ... Letter cvii. To Laeta. Of Uncharitable Truth. Introduction to Oration ii. In the Fifteenth Year of Tiberius C??sar and under the Pontificate ... The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Against Jovinianus. The Acceptable Sacrifice; The Treatise Resources Summary of the Book of Judges - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the account of Micah and the idol in Judges? | GotQuestions.org Who was Abimelech in the Book of Judges? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Extraordinary Judges: During Four Hundred and Fifty Years Extraordinary Judges: Israel not Permanently or Spiritually Benefitted By Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abdon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Abimelech Extraordinary Judges: Names of Deborah Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ehud Extraordinary Judges: Names of Eli Extraordinary Judges: Names of Elon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Gideon Extraordinary Judges: Names of Ibzan Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jair Extraordinary Judges: Names of Jephthah Extraordinary Judges: Names of Othniel Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samson Extraordinary Judges: Names of Samuel Extraordinary Judges: Names of Shamgar Extraordinary Judges: Names of Tola Extraordinary Judges: Not Without Intermission Extraordinary Judges: Raised up to Deliver Israel Extraordinary Judges: Remarkable for Their Faith Extraordinary Judges: The office of, not Always for Life, or Hereditary Extraordinary Judges: Upheld and Strengthened by God Related Terms |
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