Text: 1 Samuel 2:12-36
Memory Verse:
“And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? For I hear of your evil dealings by all this people. Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord’s people to transgress” (1 Samuel 2:23,24).

Eli, the high priest, was given the responsibility of ensuring that Israel remained committed to the Lord. He confirmed the prayer of Hannah before she conceived Samuel and served as both judge and high priest over Israel for forty years. After Samuel was born, he was brought to Eli in fulfilment of his mother’s vow. Samuel remained with the priest, but the children of Eli were ungodly.

Question 1: Who were the sons of Eli, and what were their characters?

“Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:12).
The sons of Eli were Hophni and Phinehas, who were referred to as the sons of Belial. They dishonoured the service of the Lord, committed immorality in the house of God and disobeyed the word of God.

Question 2: What were the sins of Eli’s sons?

“Wherefore the sin of the young men was very great before the LORD: for men abhorred the offering of the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:17).
These young men were described as sons of Belial because they did not know the Lord. They committed immorality with women who came to worship, were greedy and pilfered the offering of the Lord. They lacked righteousness, self-control, purity of life and the fear of God. Eli had the power to correct the situation but failed to do so, and God pronounced judgment on him and his family.

REGRETTABLE LIFESTYLE OF SINFUL WORKERS

References: 1 Samuel 2:12-17; Judges 20:13; 1 Samuel 10:27; 1 Kings 21:13; Ecclesiastes 7:1

The sons of Eli failed to follow their father’s footsteps. “Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they knew not the LORD” (1 Samuel 2:12). Although they were involved in evil acts, they were still left in the service of God. Scripture admonishes, “Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing” (Isaiah 52:11). Their lifestyle brought disgrace and dishonour to their father’s name.

Question 3: What do you understand by Eli’s sons being called the sons of Belial?

Belial means worthless, lawless or reckless. Sons of Belial are people others avoid so their children do not copy their ways. Eli’s sons disregarded God’s instructions. They appropriated sacrifices for themselves before following the prescribed order, causing people to abhor bringing offerings. God was displeased.

Christian workers must ensure their lifestyle does not corrupt worship in the church. Each person bears responsibility for their own sins (Ezekiel 18:20). Eli’s sons rejected their father’s example, while Eli failed to discipline them. Children of leaders and ministers are warned to follow the Lord and shine as examples of godliness. All youths should abide by God’s word and live to please Him.

REPERCUSSIONS OF A SINFUL LIFE

References: 1 Samuel 2:22-34; Proverbs 11:21; 16:5; Isaiah 1:16-20; 1 Kings 2:26,27; Hebrews 10:31

“Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil” (Ecclesiastes 8:11).
Unrepented sin grows worse. Eli’s sons continued in immorality with women who came to the Lord’s house. Their behaviour caused Eli great sorrow in his old age.

Question 4: What are the dangers of living in sin?

“He, that being often reproved hardeneth his neck, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
God expects obedience. Those who refuse to repent face discipline and ultimately judgment. Yet God offers mercy to those who turn back to Him. Christ alone can make a person free (John 8:36).

A man of God warned Eli of the Lord’s displeasure. God gives warnings to create room for repentance. Christian youths are to faithfully warn others of their evil ways and depend on the Holy Spirit for courage (Micah 3:8).

God reminded Eli of His choice of their lineage for the priesthood (1 Samuel 2:28). But Eli and his sons forfeited that privilege through sin. Scripture records many who lost their blessings through disobedience: Esau, Saul, Judas Iscariot and Demas. These examples warn believers today.

God rebuked Eli for honouring his sons above Him (1 Samuel 2:29). Believers must serve God with reverence. As priests of the Lord today (Revelation 1:5,6), Christian youths must live righteously, watch and pray, obey the Lord and remain humble.

The judgment on Eli’s household was severe and strange (Job 31:3). No youth should wait for such punishment.

Question 5: What were the judgments passed on the house of Eli?

“And the man of thine, whom I shall not cut off from mine Altar, shall be to consume thine eyes, and to grieve thine heart: and all the increase of thine house shall die in the flower of their age” (1 Samuel 2:33).
The judgments were:

1. The family’s right to priesthood would be cut off.

2. The lives of those in Eli’s house would be shortened.

3. Both of Eli’s sons would die in one day.

These warnings should have stirred Eli to repentance, but indulgence had weakened his spiritual alertness. The prophecy was fulfilled in 1 Kings 2:27. The judgment on Eli’s house prefigures the coming judgment on a sinful world. Youths must not harden their hearts (Hebrews 4:7).

REWARD FOR LIVING AS A SAINTLY YOUTH

References: 1 Samuel 2:18-21,26,35,36; Proverbs 1:10-19; Psalm 1:1-6; Romans 7:15-20; Daniel 1:6-9; Luke 1:80; 2:40; 2 Timothy 1:5

Samuel lived godly, unlike Eli’s sons. His devotion brought blessings to his parents. He resisted sinful influence and followed Eli’s instructions. His life created admiration and affection, and godly youths who follow this pattern will be blessed and honoured.

Question 6: What are the characteristics of a saintly youth?

Saintliness is only possible through the cleansing power of Christ. Without salvation, a youth struggles in vain against sin (Romans 7:14-19). A saintly youth is one who has repented, believed in Christ and now lives above sin.

Characteristics include righteousness, obedience, respect for elders, commitment to the Lord, willingness to share the gospel and a lifestyle that reflects new life in Christ. Such youths influence others positively.

Eli blessed Elkanah and Hannah for lending Samuel to the Lord. God answered, giving Hannah five more children (1 Samuel 2:21). When youths live well, they bring blessings to their parents and earn favour from both God and people (1 Samuel 2:26).

God promised to raise a faithful priest who would fulfil His will (1 Samuel 2:35). Those who are faithful will shine as stars (Daniel 12:3), be remembered by God (Malachi 3:16-18) and enjoy abundant blessings (John 15:16). Youths are encouraged to be steadfast and diligent (1 Corinthians 15:58).