A) INTRODUCTION.

B) GOD’S CORRECTION IGNORED.

 

 

A) INTRODUCTION

 

 

Eli was the high priest when the Ark was at Shiloh (1Sa. 1:3 & 9).  He was the first of the line of Ithamar, Aaron’s fourth son (1Ch. 24:3; compare with 2Sa. 8:17), who held that office.  The office remained in his family until the time of Abiathar (1Ki. 2:26-27), whom Solomon deposed of and appointed Zadok instead, of the family of Eleazar (1Ki. 2:35).

 

Eli is the high priest that raised Samuel (1Sa. 1:24-28), whom Samuel’s mother had promised to give to the Lord should He allow her to have children (1Sa. 1:17).

 

Eli was a civil judge in Israel after the death of Samson (1Sa. 4:18), and judged Israel for forty years (1Sa. 4:18).  This was the first time a person was both a judge and a high priest.  His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, grossly misconducted themselves, to the great disgust of the people (1Sa. 2:27-36).  They were licentious reprobates.  Eli failed to reprove them, as he ought to have done, and so brought upon his house the judgment of God (1Sa. 2:22-33; 3:11 & 18).

 

 

B) GOD’S CORRECTION IGNORED

 

 

God attempted to give Eli a chance to manage his sons correctly, via a nameless prophet (1Sa. 2:22-36), and when Elidid not respond, Samuel pronounced the sentence of God (1Sa. 3:11); carried out in First Samuel 4:18.

 

Let’s break down what God saw as the problems of Eli in First Samuel, Chapter 2:

 

22:  Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel [So Eli knew about it, but did nothing other than to talk to them; see verse 23]; and how they lay with the women [committing of adultery] that assembled at the door of the tabernacle [committing adultery in the Church] of the congregation [right in front of the people, i.e., openly; without respect of God or person’s]. 

23:  And he [Eli] said unto them [Eli’s sons], Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. 

24:  Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear:  ye make the LORD’S people to transgress [Here is where God really fines fault with Eli’s sons; and ultimately, with Eli; see verse 25 & 1Sa. 2:29 & 31]. 

25:  If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him:  but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall intreat for him?  Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father [Once Eli sees that they will not listen and change, this is where Eli should have relieved them of their duties], because the LORD would slay them.

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