Topical Bible: Covetousness: Eli's Sons

Bible > Topical > Covetousness

◄ Covetousness: Eli's Sons ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Covetousness, a deep-seated desire for what belongs to others, is a sin that is explicitly condemned in the Scriptures. It is often associated with greed and the pursuit of material gain at the expense of righteousness and obedience to God. The account of Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, serves as a poignant biblical example of covetousness and its destructive consequences.

Biblical Context

Eli was a priest and judge of Israel, serving at the tabernacle in Shiloh. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, also served as priests, but their conduct was far from the standards expected of those in such a sacred office. The Bible describes them as "worthless men" who "did not know the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). Their actions were characterized by a blatant disregard for the sacrificial system and the sanctity of their priestly duties.

Covetous Actions

The covetousness of Eli's sons is most evident in their handling of the offerings brought by the Israelites. According to the law, the priests were entitled to a portion of the sacrifices, but Hophni and Phinehas went beyond what was allotted to them. They demanded the best parts of the meat before the fat was burned, which was a direct violation of the sacrificial protocol (1 Samuel 2:13-16). Their greed led them to take by force what was not rightfully theirs, showing a profound disrespect for God's commandments and the people they were meant to serve.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The covetousness of Eli's sons was not merely a personal failing but had broader implications for the spiritual state of Israel. Their actions caused the people to "despise the offering of the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:17), leading to a decline in the nation's spiritual health. Their greed and corruption were symptomatic of a deeper spiritual malaise, reflecting a heart that was far from God.

Divine Judgment

God's response to the covetousness of Eli's sons was one of judgment. A man of God came to Eli with a message of impending doom for his household, declaring that both Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day as a sign of God's judgment (1 Samuel 2:27-34). This prophecy was fulfilled when the Philistines defeated Israel in battle, and the ark of God was captured. Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and upon hearing the news, Eli himself died (1 Samuel 4:10-18).

Lessons from Eli's Sons

The account of Eli's sons serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of covetousness. It highlights the importance of integrity and faithfulness in service to God, especially for those in positions of spiritual leadership. Covetousness not only leads to personal ruin but can also have devastating effects on the community of believers. The narrative underscores the need for a heart aligned with God's will, free from the corrupting influence of greed and selfish desire.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Samuel 2:12-14
Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Acts iii. 1
... buffoonery, indecency, scurrility; again under another head, covetousness, rapacity,
injustice ... 2:24.) But God forbid I should compare you with Eli's sons. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily viii acts iii 1.htm

Instruction for the Ignorant:
... A. Adultery, fornication, murder, theft, swearing, lying, covetousness, witchcraft,
sedition ... Thus sinned Ishmael, Esau, Eli's sons, Absalom and Judas, they had ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/instruction for the ignorant .htm

The Sixth Commandment
... Like Eli's sons, they are in white linen, but have scarlet sins. ... (3) From covetousness.
Avarice is a dry drunkenness, a horse-leech that is never satisfied. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 6 the sixth commandment.htm

The Tests of Love to God
... They have the dropsy of covetousness, thirsting insatiably after ... "Eli's heart trembled
for the ark" (1 Samuel 4 ... for Hophni and Phinehas, his two sons, but his ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/the tests of love to.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
... But because these men had not grace to do this, therefore they died before the Lord.
(2.) Eli's sons, for want of this fear, when they ministered in the holy ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

The Life and Death of Mr. Badman,
... it is enough to undo him. Eli's sons being bad before the congregation,
made men despise the sacrifices of the Lord (1 Samuel 2). ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the life and death of.htm

Thoughts Upon Christian Education.
... is evil spoken of, and through Covetousness wish feigned ... For I have told him, even
Eli, that I ... the Iniquity which he knoweth, because his Sons made themselves ...
/.../private thoughts upon a christian life/thoughts upon christian education.htm

A Holy Life the Beauty of Christianity: Or, an Exhortation to ...
... those beastly examples to drunkenness"to whoredom"to swearing"to lying"to
stealing"to sabbath-breaking"to pride"to covetousness"to deceit"to ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a holy life the beauty.htm