Eli was the high priest in Shiloh. He is from the tribe of Levi, acted as Judge and High Priest in Israel for 40 years.

“Elis sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the Lord.” 1.Samuel.2:12.

“This sins of the young men was very great in the Lord’s sight, for they were treating the Lord’s offering with contempt.” 1.Sam.2:17.

“Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women….” 1 Sam.2:22.

“Why did you honour your sons more than me?” 1.Sam.2:29.

Eli didn’t pay enough attention to bring his sons in the fear of the Lord. So they grew as wicked men with no regard for the LORD. They misused their position as sons of Eli, mishandled the offerings, ill treated God’s people and were very immoral . Though Eli knew about it, he didn’t do enough to control them.

The Lord got very angry with Eli and his sons.( 1.Sam.2.27- 36; 3:11-14) God allowed Philistines to attack and defeat them.

“Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who killed about 4000 of them in the battlefield.” 1 Sam.4:2. “… Israel lost 30,000 foot soldiers. The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons , Hophni and Phinehas died.” 1.Sam.4:10,11. Eli was 98 years old and on hearing what happened “Eli fell backward off his chair…and he died.” 1.Sam.4:18.

Just because of one persons (Eli) failure to properly bring up his children, these things happened.

• Israel was defeated by Philistines.
• About 34,000 Israelites got killed in war.
• Eli’s both sons got killed in war.
• Eli, who was judging Israel for 40 years fell down and died. So not only Eli and family, the whole of Israel paid the cost.

Today, how is the upbringing of our children? Are they Godly or worldly? Do they know the Lord properly?

How much time and money do we spent for their worldly growth? How much for spiritual matters?

Are we interested only in the academic excellence, job, name and fame of our children? What are we doing for their spiritual growth?

Rev. C.V. Abraham.