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Eli

Eli High Priest and Judge of Israel

Old Testamentc. 1140-1100 BC View journey on map

About Eli

Eli was the high priest at Shiloh who raised the young Samuel after Hannah dedicated him to God. Though a faithful priest himself, his sons Hophni and Phinehas were corrupt. Eli failed to discipline them, leading to God's judgment on his family. He died upon hearing that the Ark had been captured.

Events in the life of Eli

The call of Samuel
The call of Samuel

Shiloh · 1SA 3:4

See Shiloh on the map
The ark captured
The ark captured

Aphek · 1SA 4:11

See Aphek on the map

Chat with Eli

Ask Eli a question and get an answer in their own words, grounded in Scripture.

AI roleplay for educational purposes. Answers are grounded in the Bible but may contain mistakes.

Eli's Character Traits

PriestJudgePassive parentWeak leader

Eli's Life Timeline

View journey on map

  1. High Priestc. 1140-1100 BC

    Eli serves as high priest and judge of Israel at Shiloh.

    1SA 1:9, 4:18

  2. Hannah's Prayerc. 1105 BC

    Eli initially mistakes Hannah's prayer for drunkenness, then blesses her.

    1SA 1:12-18

  3. Raises Samuelc. 1100 BC

    Eli trains young Samuel who is dedicated to the Lord.

    1SA 2:11

  4. Wicked Sonsc. 1100 BC

    Eli's sons Hophni and Phinehas sin grievously; Eli rebukes them weakly.

    1SA 2:12-17, 22-25

  5. Prophecy of Judgmentc. 1095 BC

    A prophet announces judgment on Eli's house.

    1SA 2:27-36

  6. Deathc. 1075 BC

    Eli falls and dies upon hearing the Ark is captured and his sons killed.

    1SA 4:12-18

Who is linked to Eli

Eli's Key Relationships

Samuel
SamuelMentor

Mentor - Eli raised and trained Samuel at the tabernacle.

Hannah
HannahAssociate

Priest - Eli blessed Hannah and received her son Samuel.

Eli's Key Locations

Shiloh
Shiloh

Where Eli served as priest and judge.

View on Map

Spiritual Lessons from Eli

Failed Fatherhood

Eli 'did not restrain' his wicked sons. He knew of their sins but failed to remove them from ministry. His passive parenting brought judgment on his entire house. Leaders and parents must act decisively when those under their authority sin.

Frequently Asked Questions

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