The tragic death of Priest Eli

The tragic death of Priest Eli

1 Samuel 4

1. Eli was a high priest of God and also a judge of the nation of Israel
2. It was Eli who prophesied to Hannah in Shiloh that God had answered her prayer, and she was going to become pregnant.
3. Eli was also the mentor and spiritual father of Samuel, who became one of the greatest prophets in the Bible.
4. However, the glorious life of Eli ended in tragedy.
5. Five terrible things happened to Eli the same day.

• Over 30,000 Israelite soldiers were killed by the Philistines
• The ark of God was captured by the enemy
• His two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were murdered on the battlefield.
• His daughter-in-law, Phinehas’ wife, died while giving birth.
• Eli broke his neck when he heard all this news and died.

6. All this happened because the children of Eli were sons of Belial. 1 Samuel 2:12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the Lord. They did not know God.