Eli

Bible Study Guides – From Ichabod to Ebenezer

by

June 16, 2019 – June 22, 2019

Key Text

“Samuel cried unto the Lord for Israel; and the Lord heard him” (1 Samuel 7:9, last part).

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 581‚ 591; Testimonies, vol. 4, 516, 517.

Introduction

“Samuel endeavored to impress upon Israel the fact that they themselves had something to do to secure the divine favor. They must repent of their sins, and put away their idols.” The Signs of the Times, January 26, 1882.

Sunday

IMPENDING WOE UPON THE NATION

  • For what gift did faithful Samuel become renowned? 1 Samuel 3:19‚ 21.
  • Meanwhile, although Eli had bowed in humble submission to the rebuke against his household, how did God view the situation? Ecclesiastes 8:11.

Note: “Eli did not manifest the fruits of true repentance. He confessed his guilt, but failed to renounce the sin. Year after year the Lord delayed His threatened judgments. Much might have been done in those years to redeem the failures of the past, but the aged priest took no effective measures to correct the evils that were polluting the sanctuary of the Lord. … The warnings were disregarded by the people, as they had been by the priests. The people of surrounding nations also, who were not ignorant of the iniquities openly practiced in Israel, became still bolder in their idolatry and crime. They felt no sense of guilt for their sins, as they would have felt had the Israelites preserved their integrity. But a day of retribution was approaching. God’s authority had been set aside, and His worship neglected and despised, and it became necessary for Him to interpose, that the honor of His name might be maintained.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 582, 583.

Monday

SUMMONING A SYMBOL

  • What foolish decision did Israel make when in a weak spiritual state, and who was responsible for this decision? 1 Samuel 4:2‚ 4.

Note: “This expedition [of going out against the Philistines to battle] was undertaken by the Israelites without counsel from God, without the concurrence of high priest or prophet. [1 Samuel 4:2 quoted.] As the shattered and disheartened force returned to their encampment, ‘the elders of Israel said, Wherefore hath the Lord smitten us today before the Philistines?’ (1 Samuel 4:3). The nation was ripe for the judgment of God, yet they did not see that their own sins had been the cause of this terrible disaster.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 583.

“Instead of confessing and forsaking the sins that had brought defeat upon them [the Israelites], they now set about devising some other means by which to obtain the victory. Then they thought of the ark of God. What wonders had been wrought when the priests bore it before the people into Jordan! How its waters parted, leaving a safe path for that vast company! They remembered also how it was borne about the city of Jericho seven days in solemn silence, and then as the trumpets pealed, and the people gave a great shout, the massive walls fell flat upon the earth.

“The recollection of these glorious triumphs inspired all Israel with fresh hope and courage.” The Signs of the Times, December 22, 1881.

  • What shows the misunderstanding the people had about the ark, and how might we fall into the same trap today? 1 Samuel 4:5.

Note: “They [Israel] did not consider that it was the law of God which alone gave to the ark its sacredness, and that its presence would bring them prosperity only as they obeyed that law. …

“Yet we see a similar blindness and inattention on the part of many at the present day. … God has given to modern Israel warnings, counsel, and reproof, to bring them to repentance and reformation of life. But too often these produce but a momentary impression. The persons warned soon return to their own ways. … It is one thing to acknowledge the claims of God’s law, and quite another thing to render faithful and willing obedience to all its requirements.” The Signs of the Times, December 22, 1881.

Tuesday

MISGUIDED CONFIDENCE

  • With what regard did the Philistines hold the ark? What was the outcome of the battle? 1 Samuel 4:6‚ 10. Why did the ark not help Israel?

Note: “They [Israel] overlooked the distinction between the divine presence vouchsafed to an obedient and believing people, and the ark, which was but a symbol of that presence. Hence they confidently looked to the ark for those blessings which God alone could bestow. They saw not the wide contrast between the condition of Israel when the Lord wrought so mightily in their behalf, and their present state.

“They were then walking in obedience to God. The ark was borne by holy men in accordance with His express command, and the Captain of the Lord’s host went before the repository of His law. Then His arm brought deliverance for them. But they were now following their own plans, in opposition to the divine counsel and authority. The ark was borne by sons of Belial who were doomed to destruction. Yet the people were so infatuated by Satan as to imagine they could induce God to fight for them, when the law under the mercy-seat condemned them to defeat, disaster, and death!” The Signs of the Times, December 22, 1881.

“God permitted His ark to be taken by their enemies to show Israel how vain it was to trust in the ark, the symbol of His presence, while they were profaning the commandments contained in the ark. God would humble them by removing from them that sacred ark, their boasted strength and confidence.” Spiritual Gifts, vol. 4a, 106.

  • What tragedies highlighted the woe of this defeat? 1 Samuel 4:11, 15–22.

Note: “The Lord sorely chastised His people Israel, revealing their hypocrisy and rebuking their presumption, and thus left upon the pages of history the testimony for all future ages, that the iniquities of His professed people will not go unpunished. The greater the knowledge of God’s will, the greater the sin of those who disregard it. God is not dependent upon men to cause His name to be feared and honored in the earth. He accepts the labors of those who walk in faithfulness and humility before Him, but He will reject all who profess to serve Him, and yet follow in the course of the unrighteous.” The Signs of the Times, December 22, 1881.

Wednesday

ACCOUNTABILITY BEFORE GOD

  • In the judgment that befell the house of Eli, what solemn warning should we heed from the way history repeats itself? Matthew 7:19, 23; Isaiah 58:1.

Note: “Eli was gentle, loving, and kind, and had a true interest in the service of God and the prosperity of His cause. He was a man who had power in prayer. He never rose up in rebellion against the words of God. But he was wanting; he did not have firmness of character to reprove sin and execute justice against the sinner so that God could depend upon him to keep Israel pure. He did not add to his faith the courage and power to say No at the right time and in the right place. Sin is sin; righteousness is righteousness. The trumpet note of warning must be sounded. We are living in a fearfully wicked age. The worship of God will become corrupted unless there are wide-awake men at every post of duty. It is no time now for any to be absorbed in selfish ease. Not one of the words which God has spoken must be allowed to fall to the ground.

“While some in Battle Creek have professedly believed the Testimonies, they have been trampling them under their feet. But few have read them with interest; but few have heeded them. The indulgence of self, pride, fashion, and display are mingled with the worship of God. He wants brave men for action, who will not regard the setting up of idols and the coming in of abominations without lifting up the voice like a trumpet, showing the people their transgressions and the house of Jacob their sins.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 517.

“Warnings and reproofs are not given to the erring among Seventh-day Adventists because their lives are more blameworthy than are the lives of professed Christians of the nominal churches, nor because their example or their acts are worse than those of the Adventists who will not yield obedience to the claims of God’s law, but because they have great light, and have by their profession taken their position as God’s special, chosen people, having the law of God written in their hearts.” Ibid., vol. 2, 452.

  • As the Philistines were cursed by stealing the symbol of a God they did not worship, how long was it before they returned the ark? How long was it before Israel would value again the sacred symbol? 1 Samuel 6:1; 7:1, 2.

Thursday

A MIRACLE OF MERCY

  • What earnest appeal did Samuel bring to the people of Israel and with what beautiful results? 1 Samuel 7:3‚ 6.

Note: “As soon as Samuel began to judge Israel, even in his youth, he called an assembly of the people for fasting and prayer, and deep humiliation before God. He bore his solemn testimony from the mouth of God. The people then began to learn where their strength was.” Testimonies, vol. 4, 517.

  • What should we learn from how God was gracious to humbled Israel? Why should we search our hearts as they did? 1 Samuel 7:7‚ 10, 12.

Note: “The condition of God’s people at the present day is similar to that of idolatrous Israel. Many who bear the name of Christians are serving other gods besides the Lord. Our Creator demands our supreme devotion, our first allegiance. Anything which tends to abate our love for God, or to interfere with the service due Him, becomes thereby an idol. With some their lands, their houses, their merchandize [sic], are the idols. Business enterprises are prosecuted with zeal and energy, while the service of God is made a secondary consideration. Family worship is neglected, secret prayer forgotten. Many claim to deal justly with their fellow-men, and seem to feel that in so doing they discharge their whole duty. But it is not enough to keep the last six commandments of the decalogue. We are to love the Lord our God with all the heart. Nothing short of obedience to every precept—nothing less than supreme love to God as well as equal love to our fellow-men—can satisfy the claims of the divine law.” The Signs of the Times, January 26, 1882.

Friday

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1     Why is it not enough to submit to reproof?

2    Why wasn’t the presence of the ark helpful on the battlefield?

3    What was the significance of the word “Ichabod” in Israel’s history?

4    Eli was a man of prayer, but what was lacking in his spirituality?

5    How are we—like Israel—in need of a “Mizpeh” experience today?

Bible Study Guides – Eli and His Sons

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July 19, 2015 – July 25, 2015

Key Text

“The sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord.” I Samuel 2:12.

Study Help: Patriarchs and Prophets, 575–580.

Introduction

“Eli did not manage his household according to God’s rules for family government.” The Signs of the Times, April 6, 1888.

1 THE CHILD SAMUEL

  • Which were the future and important offices held by the child born to Elkanah and Hannah? I Samuel 1:20; 3:20; 7:15–17.
  • In order to fulfill her solemn oath to God, what did Hannah do when the boy was weaned? I Samuel 1:24. What did she say to Eli the high priest? I Samuel 1:26–28.

Note: “Hannah’s prayer was granted; she received the gift for which she had so earnestly entreated. As she looked upon the child, she called him Samuel—‘asked of God.’ As soon as the little one was old enough to be separated from his mother, she fulfilled her vow. She loved her child with all the devotion of a mother’s heart; day by day, as she watched his expanding powers and listened to his childish prattle, her affections entwined about him more closely. He was her only son, the special gift of Heaven; but she had received him as a treasure consecrated to God, and she would not withhold from the Giver His own. …

“Eli was deeply impressed by the faith and devotion of this woman of Israel. Himself an overindulgent father, he was awed and humbled as he beheld this mother’s great sacrifice in parting with her only child, that she might devote him to the service of God. He felt reproved for his own selfish love, and in humiliation and reverence he bowed before the Lord and worshiped.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 570, 571.

2 WARNING SENT TO THE HIGH PRIEST

  • What does the Bible say about the child Samuel? I Samuel 2:26.

Note: “God gives all an opportunity in this life to develop character. All may fill their appointed place in His great plan. The Lord accepted Samuel from his very childhood, because his heart was pure, and he had reverence for God. He was given to God, a consecrated offering, and the Lord made him, even in his childhood, a channel of light. A life consecrated as was Samuel’s is of great value in God’s sight. If the youth of today will consecrate themselves as did Samuel, the Lord will accept them and use them in His work.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 2, 1010.

  • How did Eli’s educational influence benefit Samuel? What lesson should the youth of our time learn from the example of Samuel?

Note: “Samuel had been placed under the care of Eli, and the loveliness of his character drew forth the warm affection of the aged priest. He was kind, generous, obedient, and respectful. Eli, pained by the waywardness of his own sons, found rest and comfort and blessing in the presence of his charge. Samuel was helpful and affectionate, and no father ever loved his child more tenderly than did Eli this youth. It was a singular thing that between the chief magistrate of the nation and the simple child so warm an affection should exist. As the infirmities of age came upon Eli, and he was filled with anxiety and remorse by the profligate course of his own sons, he turned to Samuel for comfort.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 573.

  • While Eli the high priest was grieving over the behavior of his sons, what warning did the Lord send to him through a prophet, and by what sign would it be confirmed? I Samuel 2:27–30, 34.

Note: “He [Eli] incurred the Lord’s displeasure by not reproving sin and executing justice upon the sinner. He could not be depended upon to keep Israel pure.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 578.

3 CORRUPT PRIESTS’ PERFIDY AND ITS RESULTS

  • Describe the failure of Eli, the high priest and supreme judge of the nation, in the education of his sons. I Samuel 2:12, 17, 22.

Note: “The priest and judge of Israel had not been left in darkness as to the duty of restraining and governing the children that God had given to his care. …

“But Eli allowed his children to control him. The father became subject to the children. The curse of transgression was apparent in the corruption and evil that marked the course of his sons.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 575.

  • What effect did the mild admonitions of the high priest have upon his wicked sons? I Samuel 2:23–25.

Note: “Though wholly unfit for the office, they [Eli’s sons] were placed as priests in the sanctuary to minister before God. …

“These unfaithful priests also transgressed God’s law and dishonored their sacred office by their vile and degrading practices; yet they continued to pollute by their presence the tabernacle of God. Many of the people, filled with indignation at the corrupt course of Hophni and Phinehas, ceased to come up to the appointed place of worship. Thus the service which God had ordained was despised and neglected because associated with the sins of wicked men, while those whose hearts were inclined to evil were emboldened in sin. Ungodliness, profligacy, and even idolatry prevailed to a fearful extent.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 576, 577.

  • What effect would the apostasy in Israel have had on the surrounding nations? How will our inconsistent profession affect neighbors?

Note: “The people of surrounding nations also, who were not ignorant of the iniquities openly practiced in Israel, became still bolder in their idolatry and crime. They felt no sense of guilt for their sins, as they would have felt had the Israelites preserved their integrity.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 582, 583.

4 SAMUEL: A MOUTHPIECE OF GOD

  • As God could not communicate with Eli or with his sons, whom did He call to convey a last message of reproof to the house of the high priest? I Samuel 3:2–4.
  • Supposing that the high priest was calling him, what did Samuel do? I Samuel 3:5, 6. When the Lord called Samuel the third time, what did Eli tell the boy to do? I Samuel 3:8, 9.

Note: “Eli was convinced that the mysterious call was the voice of God. The Lord had passed by His chosen servant, the man of hoary hairs, to commune with a child. This in itself was a bitter yet deserved rebuke to Eli and his house.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 581.

  • What did the Lord commission Samuel to say to the old high priest? I Samuel 3:11–14. What did Eli say to Samuel to coax him out of his silence, and what was Eli’s answer? I Samuel 3:18.

Note: “In Eli’s reproof to his sons are words of solemn and fearful import—words that all who minister in sacred things would do well to ponder: ‘If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him; but if a man sin against the Lord, who shall entreat for him’ (I Samuel 2:25)?” Patriarchs and Prophets, 580.

“Yet Eli did not manifest the fruits of true repentance. He confessed his guilt, but failed to renounce the sin. Year after year the Lord delayed His threatened judgments. Much might have been done in those years to redeem the failures of the past, but the aged priest took no effective measures to correct the evils that were polluting the sanctuary of the Lord and leading thousands in Israel to ruin. The forbearance of God caused Hophni and Phinehas to harden their hearts and to become still bolder in transgression. The messages of warning and reproof to his house were made known by Eli to the whole nation. By this means he hoped to counteract, in some measure, the evil influence of his past neglect. But the warnings were disregarded by the people, as they had been by the priests.” Ibid., 582.

5 A LESSON FOR THE CHURCH TODAY

  • How were the wicked priests, Hophni and Phinehas, punished? By what disastrous event did God call the whole nation to repentance? I Samuel 4:2, 14–18.

Note: “The [Israelite] nation was ripe for the judgments of God, yet they [the elders] did not see that their own sins had been the cause of this terrible disaster.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 583.

  • How careful should the church be in approving men for the ministry? I Timothy 3:5–7.

Note: “The church must show their zeal for God in dealing with those who have, while professing great faith, been putting Christ to open shame. They have imperiled the truth. They have been unfaithful sentinels. They have brought reproach and dishonor upon the cause of God. The time has come for earnest and powerful efforts to rid the church of the slime and filth which is tarnishing her purity.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 450.

“The standard of morality is not exalted high enough among God’s people. … Those who stand as ministers in the sacred desk should be men of blameless reputation. …

“There is a strange abandonment of principle, a lowering of the standard of morality. …

“If those who profess to be the depositaries of God’s law become transgressors of that law, His protecting care will be withdrawn.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 597–601.

PERSONAL REVIEW QUESTIONS

1 What lesson should the youth of our time learn from the example of Samuel?

2 What was the failure of Eli in the education of his sons?

3 How will our inconsistent profession affect neighbors?

4 What disastrous event did God use to call the whole nation to repentance?

5 How careful should the church be in approving men for the ministry?

© 2014 Reformation Herald Publishing Association, Roanoke, Virginia. Reprinted by permission.