I Samuel 2
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I Samuel 2:22-26, Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; the report I hear spreading among the Lord’s people is not good. If one person sins against another, God may mediate for the offender; but if anyone sins against the Lord, who will intercede for them?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death. And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with people.
In this chapter, we see the stark contrast between Eli the priest’s sons and young Samuel. Eli’s sons show contempt and disregard to the sacred offerings. They are sleeping with women outside the tabernacle, in a manner similar to the pagan temple prostitutes. They are in flagrant disobedience to God’s Law. This is extremely serious.
The first recorded reprimand from Eli toward his sons comes when Eli is very old. This might be part of the issue. Eli is a man of God but did he raise his children knowing the one true God? While Eli doesn’t bear responsibility for the specific actions of his sons, he does bear responsibility for putting his sons before God, a breach of the first commandment. For that reason, God’s judgment is an end to the priestly house of Eli. Eli did not fulfill his end of the bargain, so God no longer needed to hold onto his. And Eli’s descendants would experience the consequences of this sin for generations.
What’s interesting is that while Eli and his sons were being condemned, Samuel was being commended. The bigger and more severe the sins of Eli’s sons, the more Samuel grew in faith and favor. It’s through Samuel that God is preserving a remnant of faithfulness. More on this tomorrow.
Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Help us raise our children to know you. Help us never put anything before you, including our family. More of you, Jesus, and less of me. In Your Name, Amen.