Day 65 – 1 Samuel: Character sketch of Eli

“Then the Lord said to Samuel, “I am about to do a shocking thing in Israel. I am going to carry out all my threads against Eli and his family, from beginning to end. I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming God and he hasn’t disciplined them. So I have vowed that the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven by sacrifices and offerings.” 1 Samuel 3:11-14 NLT

Eli was an Old Testament person with a very modern problem – the recognition and respect he earned in public did not extend to the handling of his private affairs. He may have been a competent priest but a poor parent. He lacked two important qualities needed for effective parental discipline: firm resolve and corrective action. As a result, his sons brought him grief and ruin. His responses sketch a weak characteristic to which he responded emotionally. God warned and spelt out the consequences of disobedience, Eli only warned. He was also more concerned about the objects of religion than the God they represented. His faith shifted from the Creator to the created and the Ark of the Covenant became a relic to be protected rather than a reminder of the Protector.

Strengths and accomplishments

Eli judged Israel for 40 years. He encouraged Hannah by assuring her of God’s blessings and later had the privileged responsibility of raising Samuel in God’s ways.

Weaknesses and mistakes

As we have seen, he failed to discipline his sons and reacted emotionally instead of acting.

Life lessons from Eli’s life

It’s the responsibility of parents to discipline and correct their children. Life’s challenges require more than emotional responses and often demand action. Past victories cannot substitute for present trust.

Prayer: Thank You, Father for showing us an example of discipline towards our children and that it is our responsibility to teach, correct, and guide them in Your ways. Thank You for Your patience with us – Your children – and for disciplining and correcting us through the Holy Spirit with love and grace. Amen.