Topical Encyclopedia Hophni was one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest of Israel during the time of the Judges. His account is primarily found in the book of 1 Samuel. Hophni, along with his brother Phinehas, served as a priest at the tabernacle in Shiloh. However, both brothers are infamously known for their corrupt and sinful behavior, which ultimately led to their downfall and the judgment of God upon their family.Name and Meaning The name "Hophni" is of uncertain origin and meaning, though some suggest it may mean "pugilist" or "fighter." This name is fitting, considering the aggressive and forceful manner in which he and his brother conducted themselves in their priestly duties. Biblical Account Hophni's actions are detailed in 1 Samuel 2:12-17, where he and Phinehas are described as "worthless men" who "did not know the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). They are notorious for their blatant disregard for the sacrificial system established by God. Instead of following the prescribed method of taking portions of the sacrifices, they would take the best parts for themselves by force, showing contempt for the offerings of the LORD. Moreover, Hophni and Phinehas engaged in immoral behavior, as they "slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting" (1 Samuel 2:22). This further exemplified their lack of reverence for God and their priestly office. Divine Judgment The wickedness of Hophni and Phinehas did not go unnoticed by God. A man of God came to Eli, their father, with a prophetic message of judgment, declaring that both sons would die on the same day as a sign of God's displeasure (1 Samuel 2:27-34). This prophecy was later confirmed by the young Samuel, who received a vision from the LORD reiterating the impending judgment on Eli's house (1 Samuel 3:11-14). Fulfillment of Prophecy The prophecy concerning Hophni and Phinehas was fulfilled during a battle with the Philistines. The Israelites, desperate for victory, brought the Ark of the Covenant from Shiloh to the battlefield, accompanied by Hophni and Phinehas. However, the presence of the Ark did not bring the expected victory. Instead, the Philistines defeated the Israelites, captured the Ark, and killed both Hophni and Phinehas on the same day, as foretold (1 Samuel 4:10-11). Legacy Hophni's legacy is one of warning against the dangers of irreverence and corruption in spiritual leadership. His life serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of honoring God in all aspects of life. The account of Hophni and Phinehas underscores the necessity of faithful and righteous service to God, especially for those in positions of spiritual authority. Smith's Bible Dictionary Hophni(pugilist) and PHINEHAS (brazen mouth), the two sons of Eli, who fulfilled their hereditary sacerdotal duties at Shiloh. Their brutal rapacity and lust, (1 Samuel 2:12-17,22) filled the people with disgust and indignation, and provoked the curse which was denounced against their father's house, first by an unknown prophet, (1 Samuel 2:27-36) and then by Samuel. ch. (1 Samuel 3:11-14) They were both cut off in one day in the flower of their age, and the ark which they had accompanied to battle against the Philistines was lost on the same occasion. (1 Samuel 4:10,11) (B.C. 1130.) Easton's Bible Dictionary Pugilist or client, one of the two sons of Eli, the high priest (1 Samuel 1:3; 2:34), who, because he was "very old," resigned to them the active duties of his office. By their scandalous conduct they brought down a curse on their father's house (2:22, 12-27, 27-36; 3:11-14). For their wickedness they were called "sons of Belial," i.e., worthless men (2:12). They both perished in the disastrous battle with the Philistines at Aphek (4:11). (see PHINEHAS.) International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HOPHNI AND PHINEHAShof'-ni, fin'-e-as, -az (chophni, "pugilist" (?), pinechac, probably "face of brass"): Sons of Eli, priests of the sanctuary at Shiloh. Their character was wicked enough to merit the double designation "sons of Eli" and (the King James Version) "sons of Belial" (the Revised Version, margin "base men," 1 Samuel 2:12). Their evil practices are described (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Twice is Eli warned concerning them, once by an unknown prophet (1 Samuel 2:27) and again by the lips of the young Samuel (1 Samuel 3:11-18). The curse fell at the battle of Aphek (1 Samuel 4:1-18) at which the brothers were slain, the ark was taken and the disaster occurred which caused Eli's death. Phinehas was father of the posthumous Ichabod, whose name marks the calamity (see ICHABOD). A remoter sequel to the prophetic warnings is seen in the deposition of Abiathar, of the house of Eli, from the priestly office (1 Kings 2:26, 27, 35). Strong's Hebrew 2652. Chophni -- a son of Eli... 2651, 2652. Chophni. 2653 . a son of Eli. Transliteration: Chophni Phonetic Spelling: (khof-nee') Short Definition: Hophni. ... Hophni. ... /hebrew/2652.htm - 6k Library The History of Saul Faithlessness and Defeat Turning Back in the Day of Battle Religious Zeal. Of those Things which a Man of God Spake by the Spirit to Eli the ... Restoring the Creator-Creature Relation Is God in the Camp? Death of Eli and his Sons. Concerning the Birth of Samuel; and How He Foretold the Calamity ... On Attending the Church Service Thesaurus Hophni (5 Occurrences)... (see PHINEHAS.). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HOPHNI AND PHINEHAS. ... Henry Wallace. Multi-Version Concordance Hophni (5 Occurrences). ... /h/hophni.htm - 10k Phin'ehas (24 Occurrences) Phinehas (24 Occurrences) Eli (36 Occurrences) Eli's (3 Occurrences) Shiloh (34 Occurrences) Almighty (242 Occurrences) Armies (361 Occurrences) Hophra (1 Occurrence) Yearly (16 Occurrences) Resources Who was Samuel in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jacob give Joseph a coat of many colors? | GotQuestions.org Questions about 1 Samuel | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Hophni (5 Occurrences)1 Samuel 1:3 1 Samuel 2:34 1 Samuel 4:4 1 Samuel 4:11 1 Samuel 4:17 Subtopics Related Terms |
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