Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Eli Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 22, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Eli was a man who started well but ended poorly due to his failure to discipline his children and uphold God’s holiness. His story is a warning to leaders and parents to take their responsibilities seriously.
CHARACTER STUDY OF ELI – HIGH PRIEST AND JUDGE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text:. 1 Samuel 3:2-3
"And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; and ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep." –
Supporting Texts:
1 Samuel 1:9-18, 1 Samuel 2:12-36, 1 Samuel 3:1-21, 1 Samuel 4:12-22, Proverbs 22:6, 1 Timothy 3:5
INTRODUCTION:
Eli was both a high priest and a judge in Israel. He played a significant role in mentoring Samuel, who later became a great prophet. However, his life was marked by both faithfulness in his priestly duties and failure in parenting. He was a leader who guided others in the ways of God but failed to discipline his own children, which ultimately led to the downfall of his household.
Eli’s story is a lesson in the responsibilities of leadership, the dangers of neglecting family discipline, and the consequences of failing to uphold God’s standards.
1. ELI’S PRIESTHOOD AND LEADERSHIP
Eli served as a high priest and judge in Israel, responsible for the spiritual and judicial affairs of the nation.
a) He ministered in the temple and judged Israel (1 Samuel 1:9)
Eli faithfully served in God’s house and led the people in worship.
b) He was responsible for offering sacrifices and intercession (1 Samuel 2:27-28)
As high priest, he was the mediator between God and Israel.
c) He trained and mentored Samuel in the temple (1 Samuel 3:1)
He helped raise Samuel in the service of the Lord.
d) He recognised and confirmed God’s call on Samuel (1 Samuel 3:8-9)
Eli guided Samuel in understanding God’s voice.
e) Biblical Example: Moses also led and interceded for Israel but struggled with personal weaknesses (Numbers 20:7-12)
2. ELI’S ENCOUNTER WITH HANNAH
Eli was present when Hannah prayed for a child, and he became part of Samuel’s prophetic destiny.
a) He misunderstood Hannah’s prayer and rebuked her (1 Samuel 1:12-14)
He mistook her deep intercession for drunkenness.
b) He later blessed Hannah when he realised her sincerity (1 Samuel 1:17)
His blessing contributed to the birth of Samuel.
c) He witnessed the fulfilment of God’s promise to Hannah (1 Samuel 1:20)
Hannah returned to dedicate Samuel to the Lord.
d) He oversaw Samuel’s upbringing in the temple (1 Samuel 2:11)
Samuel grew under his mentorship and became a prophet.
e) Biblical Example: Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, also initially doubted a divine promise (Luke 1:18-20)
3. THE SINS OF ELI’S SONS AND HIS FAILURE AS A FATHER
Eli’s greatest weakness was his inability to discipline his sons, Hophni and Phinehas.
a) His sons were corrupt and defiled the priesthood (1 Samuel 2:12)
They were described as "sons of Belial" who did not know the Lord.
b) They abused their priestly office and stole sacrifices (1 Samuel 2:13-16)
They took the best portions meant for God.
c) They engaged in immoral acts at the temple (1 Samuel 2:22)
They defiled God’s house through immorality.
d) Eli rebuked them but did not remove them (1 Samuel 2:23-25)
He warned them but failed to take firm action.
e) Biblical Example: King David also failed to discipline his son Absalom, leading to rebellion (2 Samuel 13-15)
4. GOD’S JUDGMENT ON ELI AND HIS HOUSEHOLD
Because of Eli’s failure to correct his sons, God pronounced judgment on his lineage.
a) A prophet warned Eli of God’s impending judgment (1 Samuel 2:27-31)
His priestly lineage would be cut off.
b) His two sons would die on the same day (1 Samuel 2:34)
This was a sign of divine judgment.
c) Samuel later received a confirmation of this judgment (1 Samuel 3:11-14)
God revealed to Samuel the destruction of Eli’s household.
d) The prophecy was fulfilled in a battle with the Philistines (1 Samuel 4:17)
Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and the Ark was captured.
e) Biblical Example: Saul also faced divine rejection due to disobedience (1 Samuel 15:23-28)
5. THE TRAGIC END OF ELI
Eli’s life ended in sorrow and judgment, marking the fall of his house.
a) He was blind and weak in his old age (1 Samuel 3:2)
His physical decline mirrored his spiritual decline.
b) He received the news of Israel’s defeat (1 Samuel 4:17)
The Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant.
c) He fell backward and died upon hearing about the Ark (1 Samuel 4:18)
His death was sudden and tragic.
d) His daughter-in-law also died in childbirth, naming her son Ichabod (1 Samuel 4:19-21)
This symbolised that the glory of Israel had departed.
e) Biblical Example: Judas Iscariot also met a tragic end due to his betrayal of God’s purpose (Matthew 27:5)
