The sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, are notable figures in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of 1 Samuel. They serve as a cautionary example of wickedness and disobedience to God, especially in the context of their roles as priests. Their account is primarily found in 1 Samuel 2-4, where their actions and the resulting consequences are detailed.

Background and Role

Eli was a priest and judge of Israel, serving at the tabernacle in Shiloh. His sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were also priests, tasked with performing sacred duties and maintaining the spiritual well-being of the people. However, they are described as "worthless men" who "did not know the LORD" (1 Samuel 2:12). This characterization sets the stage for their subsequent actions, which are marked by corruption and irreverence.

Sins and Corruption

The sons of Eli are primarily condemned for their blatant disregard for the sacrificial system and their exploitation of their priestly office for personal gain. They are accused of taking the best portions of the sacrifices for themselves, contrary to the law, which stipulated specific portions for the priests (1 Samuel 2:13-16). This act of greed and disrespect for the offerings of the LORD is a significant transgression, highlighting their contempt for divine ordinances.

Moreover, Hophni and Phinehas are implicated in sexual immorality, as they "slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting" (1 Samuel 2:22). This behavior not only violated the sanctity of their office but also led the people of Israel into sin, as the priests were meant to be spiritual leaders and examples of holiness.

Divine Judgment

The wickedness of Eli's sons did not go unnoticed by God. A man of God delivered a prophetic message to Eli, warning him of the impending judgment due to his failure to restrain his sons. The prophecy declared that both Hophni and Phinehas would die on the same day as a sign of God's judgment (1 Samuel 2:27-34).

This prophecy was fulfilled during a battle with the Philistines, where the Israelites suffered a devastating defeat. The Ark of the Covenant was captured, and Hophni and Phinehas were killed, as foretold (1 Samuel 4:10-11). Their deaths marked the end of Eli's lineage as priests, as God had promised to raise up a faithful priest to serve Him (1 Samuel 2:35).

Lessons and Implications

The account of Hophni and Phinehas serves as a stark warning against the dangers of spiritual complacency and moral corruption. Their account underscores the importance of reverence for God's commands and the severe consequences of leading others astray. It also highlights the responsibility of spiritual leaders to uphold righteousness and the necessity of parental guidance in instilling godly values in children.

The narrative of Eli's sons is a sobering reminder of the holiness required of those who serve in positions of spiritual authority and the accountability that comes with such roles. Their legacy is one of caution, urging believers to pursue integrity and faithfulness in their walk with God.1 Samuel 2:1:12,17
And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoices in the LORD, my horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth is enlarged over my enemies; because I rejoice in your salvation.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Samuel the Boy Prophet
... Eli blessed Elkanah and said, "Jehovah repay you with children from this woman for
the gift which she has given to Jehovah ... The sons of Eli were very wicked. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/samuel the boy prophet.htm

The Promises of the Christian Home.
... not properly trained; and both he and the sons of Levi ... It is often said that the
children of ministers and pious parents are usually more wicked than other ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxv the promises of.htm

On Attending the Church Service
... that a holy God will bless the ministry of wicked men? ... God ever did, or ever will,
work by the children of the ... text we read, (1:Sam.2:12.) "Now the sons of Eli ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 104 on attending the.htm

The History of Saul
... let not thy heart be set against this wicked man Nabal ... Thus was Saul dead, and his
three sons and his ... Then the children of Israel that were thereabouts, and on ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the history of saul.htm

Samuel, the Little Server
... him so sorely, and mothers do not forget as quickly as children do. ... a dreadful
punishment was to fall upon the old priest Eli and his wicked sons, and so ...
/.../steedman/the babe in the bulrushes/samuel the little server.htm

Meditations for the Sick.
... of sin, which causeth God to chasten so severely his children, whom otherwise ... not;
therefore it is said, that he suffered the wicked sons of Eli to continue ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for the sick.htm

How Samuel when He was So Infirm with Old Age that He could not ...
... the care of the multitude to his sons,"the elder ... evident example and demonstration
how some children are not ... and moderate, though born of wicked parents; and ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how samuel when.htm

The Child Samuel.
... the Commandments that God had given to His people, the children of Israel ... God meant
to punish Eli for not checking his sons, who were very wicked men, and ...
/.../anonymous/children of the old testament/the child samuel.htm

The Formation of Habits.
... You teach your children order and method when young ... led a disorderly life retains
his wicked habits, though ... not the wickedness which was in his disorderly sons. ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/lxiv the formation of habits.htm

1 Thessalonians iv. 15-17
... [1025] Again, the sons of Eli ... Has no father then been neglectful with respect to
his children? and are there no wicked sons? But no one has suffered punishment. ...
/.../homily viii 1 thessalonians iv.htm

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