The Wicked Sons of Eli While Samuel Remains True

Consider this story told by Bernard L. Brown, Jr., president of the Kennestone Regional Health Care System in the state of Georgia: Brown once worked in a hospital where a patient knocked over a cup of water, which spilled on the floor beside the patient’s bed. The patient was af … More

Responsibility

Eli’s sons were sons of the Devil (v. 12). Because they were priests, they took advantage of their position. They took part of the sacrifices before they were offered to God on the altar and before the fat was burned off, which was against God’s laws (Lev. 3:3-5) (vv. 13-17). In addition, they were sleeping with the women who served them (v. 22). The sad part was that Eli did little or nothing to stop them (vv. 23-24). He just let his sons ruin their lives and the lives of others, as this undermined the integrity of the whole priesthood. This may seem harsh but, according to Numbers 15:22-31, Eli should have responded by executing his sons. Even in this bad environment, Samuel is growing in favor with God (vv. 18-21) and (v. 25-26). He is dedicated to God and backed by his mother’s prayers. During this time God was good to Hannah. She had five other children but she never forgot Samuel during all those years.

God sends a prophet to old Eli who told him that God was through with his as the high priest and judgment is coming to his sons (vv. 27-34). It is evident, as we read this portion of scripture, that Eli was not just a father who needed to deal with his rebellious sons but, in a more serious vain, he was the high priest who was ignoring the sins of priests who were under his jurisdiction. This was a very serious matter and, as a result, the Lord took the necessary disciplinary action that Eli would not take. Eli was guilty of honoring his sons above God by letting them continue in their sinful ways. As religious leaders, they may have thought they could get away with it but God, who is just, brought judgement. Eli and his sons were not faithful, so God said He would choose someone else who was (v. 35). This prophecy shows that the priesthood did not die with Eli. Historically, after the death of Eli, the priestly functions were taken over by Samuel who had been trained by Eli. However, only gradually was confidence restored to the priesthood.

Application

I must not try to rationalize away God’s standards. If there is ever any situation in my life, family or work where I know things are wrong and I allow them to continue I will be treading on dangerous ground, just as Eli was.

I Samuel 2:12-36 (English Standard Version)


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