1 Samuel 2:12-36
Q.1. What made the sons of the priest Eli worthless? What was wrong with the way they conducted their ministries? How did their unfaithfulness impact God and His people? – (1 Sam.2:12-17)
The Bible called the sons of Eli, ‘sons of Belial’ i.e. sons of worthlessness. Priests were called to represent the people before God. However, the sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas abused their office, with their greed and disrespect for God (c.f. 1 Sam.2:34). The writer explained the reason – they did not know the Lord (1 Sam.2:12). Their sins were very public, because they interacted with the worshipers, and would have done untold damage to Israel’s respect for God. Their actions registered with God – the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for the men despised the offering of the Lord (1 Sam.2:17).
Q.2. How did Eli honour the young Samuel? Why? Did his parents forget him? How often did they see him? What prayer did Eli offer up? Did God forget the sacrifice of Hannah? – (1 Sam.2:18-21, 26)
Eli honoured Samuel by allowing the boy to wear a linen ephod –Samuel was the youngest to ever wear this special garment, which was only worn by priests (1 Sam.2:18 c.f. Exo.28:6-9, 25-28). Samuel must have been adopted by Eli into the tribe of Levi, even though he was born into the tribe of Ephraim (1 Sam. 1:1 c.f. Num.1:50; 3:11-13). Hannah and Elkanah would visit him each year, with a new suit of clothing, when they came for the yearly sacrifice to Shiloh (1 Sam.2:19). Eli blessed them for their dedicated son and prayed that Hannah would have many more sons (1 Sam.2:20). Her sacrifice was not forgotten – the Lord visited Hannah; and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters (1 Sam.2:21). The story of Hannah provides many lessons concerning trials, and God’s timing in answering our prayers.
Q.3. Did Eli know what his sons were doing? How did he address their sin? Why did God want Eli’s sons removed? What special appeal did God make? What did Eli do wrong? – (1 Sam.2:22-29 c.f. 4:18)
Eli was well acquainted with the infidelity and immorality of his sons (1 Sam.2:22). However, his appeals went unheeded, largely because he had done some things the same. Apart from their adultery, he had made himself fat on the choicest parts of the offerings (1 Sam.2:23-24 c.f. 1 Sam.2:29; 4:18). He did, nevertheless, warn them that their conduct put them on a collision course with God – If one man sins against another, God will mediate for him; but if a man sins against the Lord, who can intercede for him? (1 Sam.2:25). Sadly – they would not listen to the voice of their father, for the Lord desired to put them to death (1 Sam.2:25). This is reminiscent of God’s threat to kill Moses because he failed to practice what he preached (Exo.4:24-26 c.f. Jms.3:1). However, before God forcibly removed Eli’s sons from office by death, He brought an impassioned plea through a prophet of God (1 Sam.2:27). This prophet reminded Eli about the honoured position God had reserved for the descendants of Levi (1 Sam.2:27-28). He then pinpointed the sins of Eli and his sons (1 Sa.2:29).
Q.4. On what basis does God bless and punish? What judgment was prophesied by the man of God? Would Eli recognize the fulfilment of this prophecy? Who would replace him? – (1 Sam.2:30-36)
Eli’s family would forfeit their privileged position before the Lord. The prophet then proclaimed an unbreakable principle that would be applied to all spiritual neglect and abuse – … those who honour Me I will honour, and those who despise Me will be lightly esteemed (1 Sam.2:30). Eli’s descendants would fail to reach old age (Eli died at 98 – 1 Sam.4:15). Eli would see the desecration of God’s sanctuary, and only a remnant would survive in the priesthood, with most being beggars (1 Sam.2:31-33 & 36). The prophet also gave Eli a sign that his two sons would pre-decease him and die in a single day (1 Sam.2:34). He then promised him a worthy replacement – But I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who will do according to what is in My heart and in My soul; and I will build him an enduring house, and he will walk before My anointed always (1 Sam.2:35). Though Samuel was a faithful priest and prophet, the man of God was looking to the future Anointed One – the Messiah, Jesus Christ. He was the only One Who has ever been able to do God’s will perfectly, and fulfill His priestly office forever, as demonstrated by Melchizedek (Heb.6:20-7:25)