(story told in 1 Samuel 1-4)
Eli was the high priest of Israel who served in the temple at Shiloh during the time of Hannah and her son, Samuel. He was a man devoted to the service of God and spent his life caring for the temple. When Hannah came to pray for a child, Eli first misunderstood her tears but then blessed her, telling her that God would answer her prayer. True to his words, Hannah gave birth to Samuel and later brought him to live and serve under Eli’s care.
Eli became a mentor and father figure to young Samuel, teaching him how to serve the Lord. Under Eli’s guidance, Samuel grew in wisdom and faith. One night, God called out to Samuel in the temple, and Eli helped him understand that it was the Lord speaking. This moment marked the beginning of Samuel’s calling as a prophet and a leader for Israel.
However, while Eli guided Samuel well, he failed to guide his own sons. His sons, who also served as priests, behaved wickedly, showing no respect for God or the sacrifices offered in the temple. Though Eli knew of their sins, he did little to stop them. Because of this, God sent a message through Samuel, declaring that judgment would come upon Eli’s family.
In time, God’s word came true. During a battle with the Philistines, Eli’s sons were killed, and the Ark of the Covenant was captured. When Eli heard the news, he fell backward from his seat and died.
Eli’s story reminds us that leadership begins at home. Even faithful people can fail if they ignore wrongdoing. Yet through Eli’s weakness, God raised up Samuel, showing that His purposes will always move forward.