A Contrast of Sons

1 Samuel 2:12-36

 Good morning!  Today we are continuing in our series “Prophet and King,” which follows the lives of the prophet Samuel and King Saul, the first king of Israel.  We’re still in the early going.  In the last two weeks, we have spent most of the time looking at the life and testimony of Samuel’s mother, Hannah.  She has been an amazing example to us of faith and humility, as well as not taking offense and being willing to let go and let God.

The passage for today will turn a corner in the story of Samuel’s life.  Hannah is not a key part of Samuel’s day to day life.  Sadly, that means a light goes out of the story, and we get a full glimpse of the dysfunction of what was going on at the Tent of Meeting of the Lord in the latter part of Eli’s life.  Some of these problems must have been known to Hannah when she brought Samuel to dedicate him to the Lord and leave him at the Tabernacle.  That makes her sacrifice and faith all the more amazing.

Sacrifice seems more reasonable if you can see the outcome.  However, when the outcome is questionable, it is easy to assess the risk and justify no longer making a sacrifice.  Hannah had been barren.  She was not able to have any children.  She made a vow that if the Lord gave her a son she would give him to the Lord.  God did give her a son, Samuel.  When Samuel was weaned, Hannah brought him to the Tent of Meeting and gave him to Eli the priest to raise Samuel.

(I realized after I had prepared a fair amount of the message that I had been saying temple, but in reality we are talking about time before the first temple building has been built.  This is still the time of the Tent of Meeting, also called the Tabernacle.  As you envision the events, perhaps you can keep that in mind.)

Before we look into the world in which Samuel grew up at the Tent of Meeting, let’s pray and ask God to teach us from this passage.

Father God, thank you for the example of Hannah’s faith.  Help us to walk by faith and not by sight in our lives.  As we look into today’s passage, teach us from it.  Protect us from wrong or prideful thinking.  Help us see how to live godly lives in a fallen and corrupt world.  All this we ask in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Let’s go ahead with reading beginning with I Samuel 2:12.

Eli’s sons were wicked men; they had no regard for the LORD.

In another translation, it says that Eli’s sons are scoundrels.  We’ll get into the details soon enough, but it is good to pause here and see what is really at the root of their terrible behavior.  The problem is “they had no regard for the Lord.”  Because they did not fear God, they did not do what is right.  In Job, it says can one who hates justice cannot govern.  In Psalm 28:5, it says that those who “have no regard for the deeds of the LORD and what His hands have done, He will tear them down and never build them up again.”  This is a big deal in anyone’s life.  Eli’s sons are priests at the Tent of Meeting of the Living God.  It is stunning to think that they, out of anyone, had no regard for the Lord.  What then were the kinds of things they were doing?

Now it was the practice of the priests with the people that whenever anyone offered a sacrifice and while the meat was being boiled, the servant of the priest would come with a three-pronged fork in his hand. He would plunge it into the pan or kettle or caldron or pot, and the priest would take for himself whatever the fork brought up. This is how they treated all the Israelites who came to Shiloh. But even before the fat was burned, the servant of the priest would come and say to the man who was sacrificing, “Give the priest some meat to roast; he won’t accept boiled meat from you, but only raw.”

If the man said to him, “Let the fat be burned up first, and then take whatever you want,” the servant would then answer, “No, hand it over now; if you don’t, I’ll take it by force.”

This sin of the young men was very great in the LORD’S sight, for they were treating the LORD’S offering with contempt. —I Samuel 2:13-17

What is this all about?  Well, the offerings to the Lord were holy.  There were special rules even about who could eat which sacrifices.  Some only the priests could eat, others the Levite workers could eat, others still their families were allowed to eat.  There were rules about where you could eat it.  There were rules about how you could prepare it.  The point is that these offerings were to be treated with respect.  They were holy offerings.

Now Eli’s sons wanted raw meat to have roasted to their satisfaction.  Apparently, they didn’t like boiled meat.  Worse still was that if someone questioned their demand, they would resort to threatening them.  Giving this meat to the priests was supposed to be a voluntary act by the worshipers, not taken from them.  (Leviticus 7:28-36)

The fat portion was the portion which was offered to the Lord.  When someone replied they wanted the fat burned first, they were saying that as an offering to the Lord, the Lord’s portion should be consumed before anyone would eat the remainder.  Taking that priestly portion immediately was like putting themselves above God.

This divisive and demanding attitude had to be terribly disruptive to any spirit of worship.  Their attitude was offensive to the Lord because it was treating His ways with contempt.  As priests, Eli’s sons should be teachers of God’s ways.  Instead, they are bullies and quarrelers during times of worship.  Ugh!

But Samuel was ministering before the LORD—a boy wearing a linen ephod. Each year his mother made him a little robe and took it to him when she went up with her husband to offer the annual sacrifice. Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, saying, “May the LORD give you children by this woman to take the place of the one she prayed for and gave to the LORD.” Then they would go home. And the LORD was gracious to Hannah; she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters. Meanwhile, the boy Samuel grew up in the presence of the LORD.—I Samuel 2:18-21

So, in contrast to Eli’s sons who were not ministering, Samuel is ministering before the Lord even from a young age.  The age of the workers at the Tent of Meeting as prescribed in Numbers 8 says that the Levites were to serve from age 25 to 50.  There is not such a clear statement regarding the priests.  Some think the same limits would apply, but then there are at least a couple of examples where people older than 50 are serving.  Jehoiada is an Old Testament example who lived to be more than 100.  He is continually refered to as Jehoiada the priest.  Then, in the New Testament, there is Zechariah who was John the Baptist’s father.  He was serving in the temple when old and well along in years.  As well, we see Eli still serving as a priest in advanced age.  I say all that to simply point out that there is nothing quite like Samuel in all of Scripture.  We don’t see children serving in the Tent of Meeting or the temple at any other time.

God does bless Hannah after her sacrifice, and she has three more sons and two daughters.  No doubt this brought her great joy.

As Tim pointed out last week, Hannah didn’t give Samuel to Eli.  She gave him to the Lord.  And in spite of the ongoing sins of Eli’s sons, Samuel grew up in the presence of the Lord.  Samuel was not corrupted by their horrible example.  The Lord did protect Samuel.

Now Eli, who was very old, heard about everything his sons were doing to all Israel and how they slept with the women who served at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting. So he said to them, “Why do you do such things? I hear from all the people about these wicked deeds of yours. No, my sons; it is not a good report that I hear spreading among the LORD’S people. If a man sins against another man, God may mediate for him; but if a man sins against the LORD, who will intercede for him?” His sons, however, did not listen to their father’s rebuke, for it was the LORD’S will to put them to death.—I Samuel 2:22-25

Ugh, again!  They’re sleeping around.  These guys are supposed to be set apart for the Lord’s work.

We don’t know much about the women who served at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting.  They are mentioned only twice in Scripture.  The first time is in Exodus 38:8.  It says there that those women gave their bronze mirrors so that the basin and stand at the Tent of Meeting could be made.  That’s a good example of a sacrifice.  Those ladies gave up something which caused them to focus more on themselves and they gave it to the Lord.

We’re not told what service these women carried out.  It was voluntary work because there are no commands or instructions for it in Scripture.  Certainly, they were not acting in any capacity like the pagan temple prostitutes.  We can be confident that’s not what was going on.  There were likely many ways that worshipers needed help as well as the priests and Levites.  They served then whenever a need arose.

We saw from the previous example about the offerings that Eli’s sons were not above using their position and authority to have their own way.  It seems likely that there was coercion in this case, too.  Effectively, these guys had no boundaries on their behavior.  They just did whatever they wanted.

It says that Eli confronts his sons, finally.  At the same time, it also says that Eli is very old.  Eli has not been keeping his sons on track.  I do not think he has been intervening in his sons’ lives.  He’s been turning a blind eye to their sin.  We don’t know what prompted his action finally.  Perhaps it was simply the devotion of Samuel.  Sometimes we don’t recognize what’s out of sync until we see an example of what is right and good.

Eli confronts them well.  He tells them that he has reports from many witnesses.  He asks them why they are doing it (though we don’t hear their answer).  Then, he clearly points out the consequences.  If they don’t change their behavior, if they don’t stop sinning against God, then there is no one to intercede for them.

The last verse there is one verse which many of us can have a hard time with.  It isn’t surprising based on their behavior up to this point that Eli’s sons would not listen to his rebuke.  However, when we are given the reason behind why they don’t listen, it is sobering.  Why didn’t they listen?  Because it was the Lord’s will to put them to death.

I am not able to give you a satisfactory answer why one person can repent and another does not seem to get that chance.  Earlier this week, I was reading about Ahab in my quiet time.  In I Kings 21:25, it says, “There was never a man like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the eyes of the Lord … he behaved in the vilest manner …”  However, just before that description, Ahab had just been confronted with his sin by Elijah including proclamation of judgment that God would bring disaster on Ahab.  Ahab responds to this judgment by tearing his clothes and putting on sackcloth and going about meekly.  Because Ahab humbles himself, God relents and delays the disaster.

Why does Ahab get to repent but Eli’s sons do not?  I think the easiest thing and probably the most accurate thing I can say is that I don’t know.  However, I do feel some obligation to give you some things to consider in verses such as these. 

First, I know I don’t understand what it’s like to be God.  God sees everything all at once before it happens.  We’re running along in time so we think that there should always be a chance to change things, and God apparently can change how He intervenes in our world otherwise He wouldn’t tell us to pray.  At the same time, God can’t change His character.  He can’t violate His holiness.  He won’t become less than perfect because He already is perfect.  It would violate His essence.  At the same time, God gives us freedom to make choices, and certain choices have greater consequences.

In Mark 3:28-29, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.”  In chapter 3 of I Samuel, it speaks of how Eli’s sons made themselves contemptible.  That phrase is also translated Eli’s sons blasphemed God.  The phrase translated the Lord’s will in our passage could also be translated desired.  It is plausible that Eli’s sons had given God no other choice.  Their sins were done on the “doorstep” of God polluting the worship of the people and corrupting the voluntary workers. 

Eli’s intervention has come too late to be effective. 

And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with men.—I Samuel 2:26

Here is another reminder that Samuel continues walking with the Lord through the midst of Eli’s family disaster.  The language is very similar to how Jesus is described as a boy in Luke 2:52 after he had been among the teachers in the temple courts asking them questions.

We can take courage that God’s protection and blessing can come in all types of situations.

Now a man of God came to Eli and said to him, “This is what the LORD says: ‘Did I not clearly reveal myself to your father’s house when they were in Egypt under Pharaoh? I chose your father out of all the tribes of Israel to be my priest, to go up to my altar, to burn incense, and to wear an ephod in my presence. I also gave your father’s house all the offerings made with fire by the Israelites. Why do you scorn my sacrifice and offering that I prescribed for my dwelling? Why do you honor your sons more than me by fattening yourselves on the choice parts of every offering made by my people Israel?’”—I Samuel 2:27-29

Eli did confront his sons, but he didn’t take the next action of removing them from office.  While perhaps it would have been a disgrace to Eli personally, it would have been the right thing to do for the people and for his sons.   Instead, Eli continues to honor his sons even above the Lord.  Here we catch a glimpse of Eli’s sin.  He hasn’t taken necessary corrective action in the lives of his sons.

God is speaking of Levi and Aaron as the metaphorical fathers of Eli.  Moses and Aaron were from the tribe of Levi.  God chose them to lead the people out of Egypt.  Then, Aaron became the first high priest serving God in the Tent of Meeting.  God gave them the offerings as provision.  Obviously, God is offended at the behavior of Eli’s sons for taking from the peoples offerings.  While Eli may not be actively involved in taking peoples offerings, it appears he is participating in the meals made from those seized portions.

“Therefore the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I promised that your house and your father’s house would minister before me forever.’ But now the LORD declares: ‘Far be it from me! Those who honor me I will honor, but those who despise me will be disdained. The time is coming when I will cut short your strength and the strength of your father’s house, so that there will not be an old man in your family line and you will see distress in my dwelling. Although good will be done to Israel, in your family line there will never be an old man. Every one of you that I do not cut off from my altar will be spared only to blind your eyes with tears and to grieve your heart, and all your descendants will die in the prime of life.

“‘And what happens to your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, will be a sign to you—they will both die on the same day.’” –I Samuel 2:30-34

And God’s judgment is now clear.  This is not the end of all priests.  Eli’s line will be cut off.  The judgment is not against Eli’s two sons as much as it is against all three of them.  It is a bitter and difficult judgment.

It caused me to think of the parable of the faithful and wise servant in Luke 12.  Jesus says there that, “To whom much is given, much shall be required.” (Luke 12:48) Eli’s family has been given much.  They have much knowledge of the things of God.  They have provision from the offerings.  They have great responsibility in leading worship.  In the midst of these things, they are consistently putting themselves first and taking advantage of others.  Even worse, they are causing others to stumble as well.  Jesus likewise said it would be better to have a millstone tied around your neck and be thrown into the sea rather than cause one of His little ones who believe in Him to stumble. (Matthew 18:6)

“‘I will raise up for myself a faithful priest, who will do according to what is in my heart and mind. I will firmly establish his house, and he will minister before my anointed one always. Then everyone left in your family line will come and bow down before him for a piece of silver and a crust of bread and plead, “Appoint me to some priestly office so I can have food to eat.”’”—I Samuel 2:35-36

“God always has His priests. Whenever there are weak priests like Eli or corrupt priests like Hophni and Phinehas, God will raise up great and godly priests to replace them.—(Guzik)

Samuel is coming as an immediate replacement to Eli, but Samuel’s sons too will not faithfully pursue justice.

Zadok would ultimately become the first high priest not descended from Eli at the time when the temple was built by Solomon.  Zadok replaced Abiathar.  Abiathar was Eli’s great-great grandson.  You can read about how Abiathar’s dad Ahimelek helped David at Nob when he was fleeing from Saul in I Samuel 21:1-9.  Abiathar served as high priest throughout David’s reign as king.  In addition, he was the king’s counselor.  Even in God’s judgment against Eli and his sons, there appears to be devotion to the Lord among his descendants.

That reminds me of David’s answer when he must choose a judgment against the nation because of his own sin.  When asked what he would choose, David said, “I am in deep distress. Let us fall into the hands of the LORD, for his mercy is great; but do not let me fall into human hands.”  (II Samuel 24:14) The last phrase there which seems like a harsh judgment relegating Eli’s descendants to beggars apparently became a prophecy they took action on.  For three additional generations, they were a part of the priestly office.

Ultimately, Jesus becomes our once and for all high priest as described in Hebrews 7:12-17.  Jesus “has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.” (v.16)

It makes me think about Jonah’s words regarding God’s judgment over Nineveh.  Jonah lamented, “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4:2)

God has relented from sending calamity.  Instead, He sent His Son.  Let us come to Jesus for a place and food to eat.  When some were leaving Jesus, he asked the Twelve whether or not they wanted to leave, too.  Peter answered Jesus saying, “Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.  We believe and know you are the Holy One of God.”

Whatever may come, whatever trials you may face, whatever may go wrong, always come back to Jesus, the Shepherd and Overseer of your soul.  Hold fast to Him always.

In the time we have left, I wanted to go back over a few applications based on what we’ve looked at today as a summary.

Eli’s sons had no regard for the Lord.  You’re here this morning, so I know you have regard for the Lord.  But, it is good to reflect, how do we regard the Lord in our day-to-day lives?  Another way to translate regard is to know or to acknowledge.  Proverbs 3:6 says, “in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”

Eli’s sons did not live lives of holiness.  They did not live lives set apart from evil behavior.  Do we live lives set apart?  The Bible says it in many places, “Be holy as I am holy.”  Probably the record is I Peter 1:15-16, “But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”  And yet, it’s not a “holier than thou” kind of holiness. 

At the same time we must continue to be in the world but not of it, as Jesus prayed in John 17:15-16.

Eli honored his sons above God.  Are there things that we honor above God?  A good reminder verse is Matthew 6:33, “Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”  All these things means our whole lives.  We should put God first and not worry.

Eli likely participated in his sons sins by eating their roasted meat that they sinfully took from God’s worshipers.  Are there ways we participate in sin either knowingly or “unknowingly”?  I don’t want us to get in a judgmental funk where we start questioning every situation we find ourselves in.  In fact, when discussing food sacrificed to idols in the New Testament, it says that we should not ask, but eat.  Only when someone makes the point of telling us that the food was sacrificed to idols should we politely decline it.  I’m thinking here about loving others.  Are we sensitive to include others in what we’re doing?  Are there ways we can reach out to others in friendship?  I know I get so busy doing stuff that I can put relationships on the back burner. (John 13:34-35, I Corinthians 13)

Last one … Eli waited too long to speak into his sons’ lives.  When he finally did, his sons were too hardened to listen.  Hopefully, you don’t need to go out and start rebuking people left and right.  If you’re thinking, “Oh, goody!” then I’m pretty sure you need to slow way down.  But, it is good to open up your own life as well as gently, gently inquire about areas in the lives of brothers or sisters in Christ especially if you have an evident concern. 

If you do need to confront someone, how should you go about it?  Matthew 18:15-17 is the template.  Where first you speak one on one, then if there is still a concern, then you go with a witness.  Finally, you should go to the church for help.  Matthew 5:23-24 is a template when you realize someone else has something against you.  Jesus tells us to make the effort to be reconciled to one another and to settle matters quickly.

Remember, we are examples to those around us both to believers and unbelievers.  Paul wrote in Philippians 3:17, “Join together in following my example, brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.”  That’s all of us.

Let’s pray.

Lord God, I pray that You would help us see ways to apply things we’ve looked at today.  I thank You for these Your saints.  I pray that You would bless each one of them with Your grace in their relationships with one another and with those who don’t yet know You.  Let us live in such a way that our love would be evident to all.  I ask all this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.