1 Samuel 2:11-20
The High Priest Eli and His sons
1. Eli, the High Priest and Judge over Israel.
High priests yearly enters the Holy of holies, and Eli’s age here being ‘very old’ means he was a righteous man before God. He was faithful before the Lord, yet a failure because of his family. His sons who grew up in the Lord’s house do not know God. Maybe they have been taught about the law and their priestly duties, but not the Lord. Eli, who became the mentor for young Samuel, either assigned his kids’ God-education to another priest (parents do that sometime), or he himself focused on raising them as priests to the people, but not priests before God. Or maybe Eli did a good start, but as they grow up, he did not anymore check their conducts and so he lost his authority over them. Only when the people brought to his attention his sons’ wickedness that he came to rebuke them, or maybe because this time it has been so public already. But his rebuke was all about the people’s report, he did not take that step as a father, moreso the Judge of Israel. He could have given them punishment there, exerting his authority over them, but it was just words. And it seemed he already gave up on them and given them to the Lord’s hands.
Application:
As parents, our most important role is to bring our children to the knowledge of God. This is done by instruction, by example, and through prayer. We should learn from Eli that not because we’re God followers, it will run in the blood. And because it doesn’t, while they are still with us, we have the responsibility to open doors for them to that path. While their minds are still empty and ready to absorb anything, fill it up with the knowledge of God. And make sure it is not all about what we have to do for Him, but who He wants us to be, that is, to be just like Him. It is an active role, not ‘whenever there is a chance’. And as they grow older, although our hold to them will slowly be less and less, we should still be there to guide and correct them. And we cannot do so if we have not established a good relationship with them. I guess parents too, in a way cause to make or break their children. Since we are merely stewards and God is the Father of us all, failure to bring them up upright is being a wicked, lazy servant. We have been honored to be entrusted with a great gift, what we do with it is our responsibility to Him.
2. Eli’s Wicked Sons
Growing up as sons of a spiritual leader equals great expectations. There’s that unsolicited burden of following after your father’s footsteps, or at least practice what he preached. Every time you’ll have assigned duties, and everyone can make an absence or practice mediocrity but you. And it seems you cannot make a name for yourself, always just behind your father’s shadows. I remember Kuya Efren Pallorina’s concept: not big shoes to fill, but its just a different shoe! Setting aside Eli’s shortcomings, his sons chose to rebel against the set institution. They grew tired of all the rules. And being sons of the high priest, they realized they have a certain power over all the people in Shiloh. So they got a servant, slept with the women serving at the entrance, and even forced the people to give them choice parts of their already bigger share of the offerings. They corrupted the Lord’s house and dishonored God. Their hearts were already calloused, not minding their father’s rebuke. They broke Eli’s heart, ruined his name, and put to waste all the good that he started.
Application:
Pastor’s Kids like me should realize we are not alone in our experiences. Politicians and policemen keep their kids ways from public fights, a doctor do not want his children sickly, and a principal or teacher’s child must top his class. God chose who will belong in a family. Rebelling against our parents is insulting God’s wisdom and decisions. Resisting His will is injuring but ourselves. What we cannot change, we have to accept. Who we will become is up to us. When independence and pride is boiling inside us, as Paul said, we discipline ourselves, take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ. True freedom is not to be enslaved by sin but to be able to do the will of God!
The Levite Elkanah, Hannah, and Samuel
1. Elkanah & Hannah, the caring parents
Their devotion to the annual sacrifices became more significant now because of Samuel. The presence of Eli’s wicked sons ministering in the temple is but a shadow compared to the joy of seeing their son growing up in the presence of the Lord. And Hannah always brings with her a handmade, linen ephod for him to wear. She continues being a mother to him, the best she could for their set-up. Im sure while making them, her heart longs for his boy. In giving him back to the Lord, she knew that meant missing all the details of his growing up years. The Lord saw that and His graciousness gave her three more sons and two daughters. Now that’s more than a hundred percent return!
Application:
When we give our all to the Lord, not only will it bring pleasure to Him but He will honor it. Hannah did not know is that his boy would soon grow up as Israel’s great judge and mentor to the first kings. Abraham received the certainty of the promise when he did not withhold to give Isaac to the Lord. The widow’s flour did not run dry during Elijah’s time. The two copper coin offering of another widow was worth noticing to Jesus. The depth of the sacrifice is weighing the value of the offering to us and then declaring that God is still greater than our everything. It is finding Him as our precious pearl that we will sell all that we own just to have Him. To serve Him is to give our all or that is nothing at all to Him. No king would delight in receiving blemished gifts. God deserves our excellence, dedication, holiness and love. God did gave us His only Son too right?
2. Samuel, the young ‘priest’
His name was mentioned only four times in all fifteen verses, but in each time, it seems taking a pause from his parents’ account or as a refreshing thought in contrast to Eli’s sons’ evil deeds.
a. ‘Elkanah went home.. BUT Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli’
b. ‘the sin of the young men were very great… BUT Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod.’
c. ‘Hannah gave birth.. MEANWHILE Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord’
d. ‘His sons did not listen to Eli’s rebuke for it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.. AND the boy continued to grow in stature and in favor with the Lord and with men’.
His parents’ continued with their lives, Eli’s sons with their sins, while young Samuel was being beautifully raised by God in His presence. I doubt his life at this time was easy. Being away from his family is a lonely thought; Being under an old priest and judge, regretful of what has become of his sons, could mean stricter training for Samuel; Hearing about his new brothers and sisters may have caused him more longings for home; and having Eli’s sons as leaders in the temple? I would plead to be transferred elsewhere. Yet God preserved His young servant. As a good Father, I’m sure He protected his eyes from seeing immoral acts, and kept his ears from hearing profanities. God will not let his mind be corrupted nor his heart confused. And at the last verse, He gave His people a glimpse of His Son in Samuel! Hope is coming. Righteousness will rule His people again.
Application:
I see Samuel’s young life like that of Psalm 84:6 ‘a place of spring in the valley of Baca’. A light in the darkness, a song in the night, a thirst quencher. That's what Jesus did and is committed to provide us with: hope, peace, joy. The God who commands storms, makes the blind see, multiplies bread, brings back life. Wherever He goes, lives are changed and God is glorified. We are called to do likewise. A salt and light in this dark world. I pray we make it a daily goal to share the kindness of God to everyone He allows us to meet. Lend a hand, wear a smile, give an encouragement, say a prayer, help carry a burden. We can make this world a beautiful place to live. There is hope in the land. Let God shine His light and love through us.
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