In the first chapter of Samuel we see a distressed woman. She is begging God to bless her with a child. In fact, if He would do that, she would give the child to the work of the Temple; when he was old enough. God heard her plea and healed her. Hannah kept her promise when Samuel was three.

She went to the Temple and placed him in the care of Eli. As a father, Eli did not provide any discipline for his own sons, Hophni and Phinehas. God had asked Eli to clamp down on these two boys but he didn’t. One night God called Samuel so he ran to Eli thinking it was he that called. This happened three times; each occasion, he ran to Eli. It was then they knew it was God calling.

Of course, Eli was inquisitive. He asked Samuel to tell him the truth, leaving nothing out. What could God want with this youngster? Samuel didn’t want to tell the Heavenly message but Eli pleaded with him; he must tell everything. It took the courage of this 12 year old lad to tell Eli what God expected. Even then, we are not sure if Eli accepted the message. Eli’s response was “it is the Lord, let him do what he wants.” It was obvious that mere words were not going to change the boys.

We see God’s message coming true in chapter two. Phinehas and Hophni and 4,000 Jews were killed. The Ark, which was God’s power-ally for the Israelites, fell into the enemy’s hands. When Eli heard the news, he fell backward off the rock he was sitting on, breaking his neck.

What does this story reveal to us? 1. Raising children has responsibilities; 2. If we are speaking for God, we must be righteous. 3. Refusing to respond to Heavenly advice can be costly, even Deadly. 4. Since God corrects those who choose Him, we must listen with our Spiritual ears and minds. 5. God corrects his own people when they make wrong choices.

In one day, Eli’s genealogy was wiped out. We may justify our disobedience to God’s will, but He will hold us accountable for our disobedience. Eli’s boys should have realized that God wanted them to change their character, not continue in it. The greatest gift we can give God is our complete obedience.