Then a man of God came to Eli and told him, "This is what the LORD says: 'Did I not clearly reveal Myself to your father's house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh's house? Then a man of GodThe phrase "man of God" is often used in the Old Testament to describe a prophet or someone who is divinely inspired to deliver God's message. In Hebrew, this is "ish ha-Elohim," indicating a person who is set apart for God's purposes. This highlights the seriousness and divine authority of the message being delivered to Eli, the high priest. The role of a prophet as a "man of God" is to act as a conduit for divine communication, emphasizing the importance of listening to God's messengers. came to Eli and said to him This is what the LORD says Did I not clearly reveal Myself to your father’s house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh’s house Persons / Places / Events 1. EliThe high priest of Israel at the time, serving at Shiloh. He was responsible for the spiritual leadership of Israel but failed to restrain his sons, who were corrupt. 2. Man of God An unnamed prophet sent by God to deliver a message of judgment to Eli. Prophets were often used by God to communicate His will and warnings to His people. 3. The LORD (Yahweh) The covenant God of Israel, who had revealed Himself to Eli's ancestors and established the priesthood. 4. Eli’s Father’s House Refers to the lineage of Aaron, the first high priest, and the Levitical priesthood established by God during the Exodus from Egypt. 5. Egypt under Pharaoh’s House The historical context of Israel's bondage in Egypt, from which God delivered them, establishing a covenant relationship and setting apart the tribe of Levi for priestly duties. Teaching Points The Importance of Faithful LeadershipEli’s failure to discipline his sons serves as a warning about the consequences of neglecting spiritual responsibilities. Leaders are called to uphold God’s standards and guide others in righteousness. God’s Faithfulness and Human Responsibility God had revealed Himself to Eli’s ancestors and established a covenant. This underscores the faithfulness of God and the responsibility of His people to live in accordance with His commands. The Role of Prophets The unnamed man of God demonstrates how God uses prophets to call His people back to faithfulness and warn them of impending judgment. This highlights the importance of heeding God’s messengers. Consequences of Disobedience Eli’s account illustrates that disobedience and neglect of God’s commands can lead to severe consequences, not only for individuals but for their descendants. God’s Sovereignty in Judgment The passage reminds us that God is sovereign and just in His judgments. He holds His people accountable, especially those in positions of spiritual authority. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the role of Eli as a high priest compare to the responsibilities of spiritual leaders today?2. In what ways can we ensure that we are faithfully fulfilling the responsibilities God has entrusted to us? 3. How does the message delivered by the man of God to Eli reflect God’s character and His expectations for His people? 4. What lessons can we learn from Eli’s failure to restrain his sons, and how can we apply these lessons in our own families and communities? 5. How does the concept of God’s judgment in this passage connect with the New Testament teachings on accountability and grace? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 4:14-16This passage describes the appointment of Aaron, Eli's ancestor, as the first high priest, establishing the priestly lineage. Leviticus 8:1-13 Details the consecration of Aaron and his sons, highlighting the sacred responsibilities of the priesthood. 1 Samuel 3:11-14 God’s further pronouncement of judgment on Eli’s house due to the sins of his sons and Eli’s failure to restrain them. Hebrews 5:1-4 Discusses the role of the high priest, emphasizing the need for holiness and obedience in those who serve God.
People Eli, Elkanah, Hannah, Hophni, Israelites, Pharaoh, Phinehas, SamuelPlaces Egypt, Ramah, ShilohTopics Appear, Bondage, Clearly, Egypt, Eli, Father's, Indeed, Myself, Pharaoh, Pharaoh's, Plainly, Really, Reveal, Revealed, Says, Servants, Subject, ThusDictionary of Bible Themes 1 Samuel 2:276641 election, responsibilities 5340 house Library The Child Prophet'And the child Samuel ministered unto the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 2. And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was laid down in his place, and his eyes began to wax dim, that he could not see; 8. And ere the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord, where the ark of God was, and Samuel was laid down to sleep; 4. That the Lord called Samuel: and he answered, Here am I. 5. And he ran onto Eli, and said, Here am I; for thou … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Reverence in Worship. The Knowledge of God Though the Fore-Mentioned Eternal Moral Obligations Letter xxix. To Marcella. A Private Enquiry Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament Covenanting a Privilege of Believers. The Mystery Sixth Day. Holiness and Glory. Sanctification. Seventeenth Sunday after Trinity the Christian Calling and Unity. The Sun Rising Upon a Dark World Entire Sanctification The Holiness of God Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire from 745 to 722 B. C. Samuel Links 1 Samuel 2:27 NIV1 Samuel 2:27 NLT 1 Samuel 2:27 ESV 1 Samuel 2:27 NASB 1 Samuel 2:27 KJV 1 Samuel 2:27 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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