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1 Samuel 2:11–17, 22–25
Now the sons of Eli were corrupt; they did not know the Lord (v. 12).
Elkanah and Hannah leave Samuel at Shiloh, where he “ministers to the Lord before Eli the priest.” Why does Eli, who is old and apparently semi-retired, take on the demanding task of training and mentoring this young child? Today’s passage tells us why—no one else can be trusted with the job. Eli has turned over the priestly duties in the tabernacle to his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, but they are exceedingly “corrupt.” The Hebrew text actually says they are “sons of Belial,” which connotes worthlessness and wickedness. It is a term used frequently in the books of Samuel to designate those who are under the covenant but unfaithful to it. The bottom line is that Hophni and Phinehas simply do not “know the Lord.”
These young priests are guilty of two main crimes. First, they are taking unjustifiably large portions of the people’s offerings, violating God’s specific instructions. The Law designated that specific portions of sacrificed animals be given to the priests (Lev. 7:28–36; Deut. 18:3), but Hophni and Phinehas have instituted a new practice, sending a servant to thrust a large fork into the cauldron in which the sacrifice is boiling, and taking whatever he might spear. Neither are they following the prescribed procedure for burning the fat of the sacrifices, even when the people protest, but they are demanding that they be given portions God has reserved for Himself. Their disrespect for God’s dictates is causing the people to abhor the sacrifices (v. 17). In other words, they are leading the people away from covenant faithfulness. Second, the priests are having sexual relations with women who “assemble at the door of the tabernacle.” These women may be ritual prostitutes who are emulating Canaanite worship practices. In any case, the priests are defiling themselves, defiling these women, and, at least in Phinehas’ case, sinning against a wife (4:19). Their behavior also encourages the people to sin (v. 24).
Eli, hearing of his sons’ sinful ways, rebukes them. He gives them a dire warning—they are sinning against God, and He will not let sin go unpunished. But Hophni and Phinehas will not listen, and the author of 1 Samuel makes the reason clear: “The Lord desired to kill them.” God already has judged them, has ceased to strive with them, and has withdrawn His grace from them. Their doom is set.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Pastors and other leaders in the church can do great harm or great good simply by their example. This is why Scripture calls church leaders to be “blameless … of good behavior” (1 Tim. 3:2). Pray that your current church leaders would be men of this type, and do what you can to encourage godly men to take up leadership positions.
For Further Study
- Eccl. 10:1
- Acts 6:3
- Phil. 2:29
- Titus 1:6–9