OT Characters: Eli

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas' website.

Hebrew words:

'Eli (ay-LEE)-- Note, despite the similarity, this is not the Hebrew word "my God," as the initial consonant is different (an ayin, not an aleph). Appears 36x in 1 Samuel 1-4.'I-kavod (ee-ka-VODE) -- "There is no glory," or (traditionally) "The glory has departed."

Further study:

Passages covered in this podcast1 Samuel 1-4Leviticus 3:17, Isaiah 56:9-12

Some things we learn about God:

God honors those who honor him (1 Samuel 2:30).When parents fail to inculcate discipline and character in their children, the Lord make take over the task.God may leave a leader in place for many years, despite glaring weaknesses.God's promises may in some cases be nullified by human disobedience. (No one is above the law, or may act with impunity.)

For kids:

The story of Eli and his sons is a great example of what can happen when Ephesians 6:1-4 is not followed.  Read Ephesians 6:1-4. The concepts of obedience and giving honor can be discussed (for slightly older children).  Also the role of parents can be explained.Read selections (parent/s) from the story of Eli, appropriate for the age of the children present.Then discuss or act out the story of Eli and his sons.If role-playing: “Hophni” and “Phinehas” are behaving badly; “Eli” is sitting on his “chair” (ideally a cushion); mother or father plays the voice of the Lord; you will also need a little “Samuel.” And (if the brood is large enough), an unnamed "prophet," who can double as the messenger returning from battle. (Probably you will want to skip the final scene involving the birth of Ichabod!)The children can point out where the sons were disobedient and not giving honor. Parents can share how Eli fell short in his role as a parent (2:29).A point of discussion can also be that their disobedience affected more than just themselves. How do they think those who brought sacrifices felt about Eli’s sons. What was their reputation with the people? Talk about how unhappy their disobedience and lack of honor made their relationships with God, Eli and the people.What were the other consequences of their disobedience? Discuss how God’s heart is to want to bless his people (Ephesians 6:3; 1 Samuel 2:27,28), and that suffering consequences of sin is part of learning and is meant to turn us around.  When we don’t respond to correction, as Eli’s sons, all that is left is punishment.

Key verses:

1 Samuel 2:25 -- Ineffectual rebuke of his sons.1 Samuel 2:29 -- Honored his sons more than God.1 Samuel 3:2 -- Eli is becoming blind spiritually. (Also 4:15.)1 Samuel 3:18 -- Accepts the Lord's sentence.1 Samuel 4:18 -- Eli is now fat, old, and blind. His leadership is literally overturned.1 Samuel 4:22 -- The glory has departed!