1 Samuel 2:11-17: The Faithfulness of Eli and the Sin of His Sons
The Dedicated Samuel
11 Then Elkanah went home to Ramathaim, but the boy ministered before the Lord under Eli the priest. (1 Samuel 2:11, NKJV)
In this passage, we see that Samuel, the young boy who would later become a great prophet and leader of Israel, began his ministry under the guidance of Eli, the high priest at Shiloh. Despite being only a child, Samuel demonstrated a strong sense of devotion to God, and his faithfulness would eventually lead to a transformation in Israel.
The Wickedness of Eli's Sons
12 Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord. (1 Samuel 2:12, NKJV)
In stark contrast to Samuel's dedication, Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were corrupt and did not know the Lord. As priests, they were supposed to serve as spiritual leaders, but instead, they betrayed their sacred trust and brought shame to their father's household.
The Sins of Eli's Sons
13 And the priests' custom with the people was that whenever anyone offered a sacrifice, the priest's servant would come with a three-pronged fleshhook. (1 Samuel 2:13, NKJV)
The sons of Eli would take from the people's sacrifices for their own gain, showing no regard for the sacred rituals. Their greed and lack of reverence for God's ordinances had become a common practice.
God's Judgment on Eli's Household
17 Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for men abhorred the offering of the Lord. (1 Samuel 2:17, NKJV)
The Lord was displeased with the desecration of His offerings and the violation of His sacred trust. The sin of Eli's sons had consequences not only for themselves but also for their father and the entire community.
