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)
6. STRENGTHS OF ELI
Despite his failures, Eli had some commendable qualities.
a) He served as a priest and judge over Israel (1 Samuel 4:18)
b) He was dedicated to God’s work (1 Samuel 1:9)
c) He recognised and encouraged Samuel’s calling (1 Samuel 3:8-9)
d) He submitted to God’s judgment with humility (1 Samuel 3:18)
e) He showed kindness to Hannah and blessed her (1 Samuel 1:17)
7. WEAKNESSES OF ELI
Eli had significant failures that led to his downfall.
a) He failed to discipline his corrupt sons (1 Samuel 2:23-25)
b) He allowed immorality and corruption in the priesthood (1 Samuel 2:22)
c) He ignored multiple warnings from God (1 Samuel 2:27-29)
d) He lost spiritual sensitivity as he grew older (1 Samuel 3:2)
e) His leadership ended in disgrace and judgment (1 Samuel 4:18)
8. LESSONS TO LEARN FROM ELI
Eli’s life teaches important spiritual lessons.
a) Leadership requires both spiritual devotion and firm discipline (Proverbs 29:15)
b) Neglecting family responsibilities can lead to disaster (1 Timothy 3:5)
c) God expects leaders to uphold holiness in His house (Leviticus 10:3)
d) Failing to heed God’s warnings can bring judgment (Proverbs 1:24-31)
e) It is never too late to repent and seek God’s mercy (Joel 2:12-13)
CONCLUSION:
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. While he showed humility in accepting God’s judgment, his legacy was marred by his sons’ corruption and the loss of Israel’s glory.
May we learn from Eli’s life and strive to be faithful stewards of God’s calling, ensuring that both our leadership and family honour the Lord.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to lead with wisdom and discipline.
2. Father, deliver me from the mistakes of Eli.
3. Give me the grace to raise my children in Your ways.
4. Let my leadership bring honour to Your name.
5. Restore every lost glory in my life.
