Topical Encyclopedia The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are notable figures in the Old Testament for their grievous offenses against God and the people of Israel. Their account is primarily found in the book of 1 Samuel, where they serve as priests at the tabernacle in Shiloh during the time of the judges.Background and Role Eli was the high priest and judge of Israel, and his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, served as priests under his authority. As priests, they were responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the sanctity of worship. However, their actions were in stark contrast to their sacred duties. Offenses Committed The offenses of Hophni and Phinehas are detailed in 1 Samuel 2:12-17. The Berean Standard Bible describes them as "wicked men" who "had no regard for the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). Their primary offenses included: 1. Contempt for Sacrificial Offerings: The sons of Eli showed blatant disrespect for the sacrificial system. They would take portions of the offerings meant for God before the fat was burned, which was against the law (1 Samuel 2:13-16). This act of greed and irreverence was a direct violation of the Levitical code, which prescribed specific portions for the priests only after the offering was made to God. 2. Immorality: In addition to their sacrilegious handling of sacrifices, Hophni and Phinehas engaged in immoral behavior with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting (1 Samuel 2:22). This conduct further desecrated the holy office they held and led the people of Israel into sin. Divine Judgment The offenses of Eli's sons did not go unnoticed by God. A man of God came to Eli with a prophetic message, condemning the actions of his sons and foretelling the downfall of Eli's house (1 Samuel 2:27-36). The prophecy declared that both Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day as a sign of God's judgment (1 Samuel 2:34). In 1 Samuel 3:11-14, God reiterated this judgment to the young Samuel, emphasizing that the iniquity of Eli's house would not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever. This pronouncement underscored the severity of their offenses and the irrevocable nature of the divine judgment against them. Fulfillment of Judgment The prophecy was fulfilled during a battle with the Philistines, where the Israelites suffered a devastating defeat. Both Hophni and Phinehas were killed, and the Ark of the Covenant was captured (1 Samuel 4:10-11). Upon hearing the news, Eli fell backward from his seat, broke his neck, and died (1 Samuel 4:18). The tragic end of Eli's family line served as a sobering reminder of the consequences of unrepentant sin and the importance of reverence for God's commands. Legacy and Lessons The account of Hophni and Phinehas serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of spiritual complacency and moral corruption. Their offenses highlight the critical importance of honoring God in both public service and personal conduct. The narrative underscores the principle that those who serve in positions of spiritual leadership are held to a high standard of accountability before God. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Samuel 2:12-17Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 1 Thessalonians iv. 15-17 On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God Home-Discipline. On the Righteousness and Efficacy of the Providence of God ... Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. An Analysis of Augustin's Writings against the Donatists. Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. The Real Presence, the Great Want of the Church The Motives to this Oversight Resources What does the Bible say about etiquette / manners? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that love covers a multitude of sins? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about grudges? | GotQuestions.org Offence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Offense: All Things That Cause, Shall be Gathered out of Christ's Offense: Blessedness of not Taking, at Christ Offense: Denunciation Against Those Who Cause Offense: Ministers should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Ministers should Remove That Which Causes Offense: Occasions of, Forbidden Offense: Occasions of, Must Arrive Offense: Persecution, a Cause of, to Mere Professors Offense: Punishment for Occasioning Offense: Saints should Avoid Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should be Cautious of Giving Offense: Saints should be Without Offense: Saints should Cut off What Causes, to Themselves Offense: Saints should Have a Conscience Void of Offense: Saints should not Let Their Liberty Occasion, to Others Offense: Saints should Reprove Those Who Cause Offense: Saints should Use Self-Denial Rather than Occasion Offense: Saints Warned Against Taking Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ Crucified Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Bread of Life Offense: The Wicked Take, At: Christ, As the Corner-Stone Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Low Station of Christ Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Necessity of Inward Purity Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) |
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