Eli in the Bible was a priest and judge of Israel who served at the tabernacle in Shiloh during the time of the judges, around the 11th century BC. He is known for several key roles and events:
- Eli was the high priest at Shiloh, a central place of worship for the Israelites, and also served as a judge over Israel for about 40 years
- He is notably connected to the story of Hannah, who prayed for a child at the tabernacle. Initially, Eli thought she was drunk, but after she explained her silent prayer, he blessed her. Hannah’s son, Samuel, was then dedicated to God and raised by Eli in the tabernacle
- Eli had two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were corrupt priests. Despite warnings from a man of God, Eli failed to restrain or discipline them, which led to divine judgment against his family
- As a consequence of his sons' sins and Eli’s failure to control them, God declared that Eli’s family would lose the priesthood. Both his sons died on the same day in battle, and when Eli heard the news of the Ark of the Covenant being captured, he fell, broke his neck, and died at the age of 98
- Eli’s story is also significant as Samuel, who succeeded him, became a major prophet and leader in Israel
In summary, Eli was a key religious figure who played a transitional role between the period of the judges and the establishment of the monarchy in Israel, remembered both for his priestly duties and his tragic family failings.
