Topical Bible: Children: Wicked: Eli's Sons

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Topical Encyclopedia

Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, serve as a somber example of wickedness among the children of Israel's leaders. Their account is primarily found in the book of 1 Samuel, where their actions are depicted as a stark contrast to the holiness expected of those serving in the priesthood.

Background and Role

Eli was the high priest and judge of Israel, serving at the tabernacle in Shiloh. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were also priests, tasked with performing sacred duties. However, their behavior was far from the righteousness required of their position. The Bible describes them as "worthless men" who "did not know the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12).

Wickedness and Sin

The sins of Eli's sons were manifold and grievous. They showed contempt for the offerings of the LORD by taking for themselves the best portions of the sacrifices, even before the fat was burned as required by the Law (1 Samuel 2:13-16). This act of greed and irreverence was a direct violation of the sacrificial system established by God.

Moreover, Hophni and Phinehas engaged in immoral behavior with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (1 Samuel 2:22). Their actions not only defiled the sacred space but also led the people of Israel into sin, as they were supposed to be examples of holiness and devotion.

Divine Judgment

The LORD's response to the wickedness of Eli's sons was one of impending judgment. A man of God came to Eli with a prophetic message, declaring that because Eli honored his sons more than God by failing to restrain them, his household would suffer severe consequences. The prophecy foretold the death of Hophni and Phinehas on the same day and the eventual downfall of Eli's lineage (1 Samuel 2:27-36).

This prophecy was fulfilled during a battle with the Philistines, where the ark of God was captured, and both Hophni and Phinehas were killed (1 Samuel 4:10-11). The news of their death and the loss of the ark led to Eli's own death, marking the tragic end of his family's priestly line.

Lessons and Implications

The account of Eli's sons serves as a warning about the consequences of wickedness, especially among those in positions of spiritual leadership. Their account underscores the importance of reverence for God's commands and the dangers of allowing sin to go unchecked. It also highlights the responsibility of parents and leaders to guide their children in the ways of the LORD, emphasizing the need for discipline and accountability in maintaining a faithful and obedient life before God.

Nave's Topical Index

1 Samuel 2:12,22-25
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Fifth Commandment
... The slothful servant is called a wicked servant.' Matthew 25:26 ... Our Lord Christ herein
set a pattern to children. ... Eli's sons hearkened not to the voice of their ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Acts iii. 1
... easily consent to do any other wicked act; he ... But God forbid I should compare you
with Eli's sons. ... ten thousand with the murrain; that fine children, though few ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily viii acts iii 1.htm

The Sixth Commandment
... So, many kill little children by medicines that cause their ... Like Eli's sons, they
are in white linen, but have ... them, Drink ye wine;' so the wicked set pots of ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

The Child Samuel.
... that God had given to His people, the children of Israel. ... told him that God meant
to punish Eli for not checking his sons, who were very wicked men, and ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

Samuel, the Little Server
... him so sorely, and mothers do not forget as quickly as children do. ... a dreadful
punishment was to fall upon the old priest Eli and his wicked sons, and so ...
/.../steedman/the babe in the bulrushes/samuel the little server.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... 'Wo unto the wicked, it shall ... sin; so that whether they be men or children, the greater ...
Thus sinned Ishmael, Esau, Eli's sons, Absalom and Judas, they had good ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... Works, the Pomps and Vanities of this wicked World, and ... with Parents neglecting to
bring up their Children in his ... Samuel, For I have told him, even Eli, that I ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

A Private Enquiry
... This Samuel was to Eli like a grandchild ... at the judgment-seat of Christ; and if children
now rebuke ... are cast out for ever into the pit prepared for the wicked? ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/a private enquiry.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... Thus the death of Eli's two sons in one day was ... of his people, and the strength of
the children of Israel ... of the triple league between Satan, wicked kings, and ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

The Historical Books.
... for espousing the cause of the wicked men of ... and eightieth year after the children
of Israel were ... the disorders that prevailed under Eli's administration, for ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xx the historical books.htm