09/09/2026
HIGH PRIEST LOW FATHER
Eli needs no introduction, much of what we know about him are things that cast a very dark shadow i.e. the gross misconduct of his two sons; Hophni and Phinehas whom scriptures called sons of belial (iniquity) (a). Ironically, while people called them sons of Eli the high priest, scriptures called them otherwise. Such contradiction! The big question is; ‘what does God call my children?’
It is heart rending that the important role Eli played in midwifing Samuel spiritually which saw the emergence of Israel’s first two Kings is dwarfed by who he was as a parent. That is attributable to the lax manner he handled his son’s misbehavior (b).
Eli was not the only father in scriptures whose children died as result of disobedience but he is one father who suffered much for doing nothing concerning his children’s sins. Much as we see Eli rebuke his sons, as far as God was concerned, he failed to discipline them. Nadab and Abihu the two sons of Aaron the high priest in the days of Moses died for offering a strange fire before God, God killed Er and Onan, two sons of Judah for their wickedness.
So, why was Eli’s case different? Aside been a father to rebellious sons, he was also the high priest and his sons were priests under him whose sins had a negative effect on the spiritual lives of the people (c). The effect of Eli’s non disciplinary stance had a ripple effect. Even when confronted with the looming judgment, Eli simply said; ‘It is the Lord’s will…let Him do what He thinks best’ (d).
Apparently, Eli’s sons grew up unchecked because Eli was old when he heard of all they were doing which suggests a history of misbehaviour (e) which required drastic action. God said, he (Eli) was; ‘honoring his sons above Him’ (f). ,…’I have warned him that judgment is coming upon his family forever, because his sons are blaspheming me and he hasn’t disciplined them…, the sins of Eli and his sons will never be forgiven…’ (g). this completely diminishes Eli’s feeble correction in 1 Samuel 2:23-25.
Scriptures teach that; ‘the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts (h).
Believably, Eli knew what to do concerning his son’s misconduct but for unknown reasons, he did nothing. God judged his family as he and his sons died same day and the family lost the priesthood, eventually (i).
Eli was a HIGH Priest but LOW father and there are many Elis today; busy and highly applauded in spiritual circles but failures at home. Ironically, while the instructions of fathers like Jonadab were echoing through generations, Eli failed to discipline his sons.
Scriptures prescribe a very harsh remedy for handling rebellious children; parents were to bring such sons to the elders for ex*****on (j). Though there is no record in scripture to show where this was practiced, it showed that rebellion and disobedience were not to be condoned. While that cannot be practiced in contemporary times, the underlying principles and lessons are still very valid; rebellion must not be condoned in children and parents should seek help when overwhelmed.
Long ago, parents sent their ‘stubborn’ children to live with teachers for training. That was one way of acknowledging their helplessness and seeking help and it largely worked.
Many of today’s parents cover children’s misbehaviour and shield them from discipline forgetting that ‘he who covers his sins shall not prosper’. Some even go to the embarrassing extent of harassing teachers who attempt to set their children straight.
Parents must understand that a poorly behaved child does not necessarily mean parental failure. Even when a child’s misbehaviour is due to the negligence of parents, such parents can seek help in straightening the erring child and also turn new leaves themselves.
We must be sensitive enough to know when and where to seek necessary help concerning a child’s behaviour.
Be careful so that the child you refuse to discipline today does not destroy all you have laboured for.
In Eli, we see a troubling occurrence where a father suffered for the misconduct of his children. That is a far cry from the more familiar scenarios where children suffer for the misconduct of parents
Proper child upbringing is primarily the responsibility of parents.
Scriptural References: (a. 1 Samuel 2:12, b. 1Samuel 3:13, c. 1 Kings 2:13-22, d. 1 Samuel 3:18, e. 1 Samuel 2:22, f. 1 Samuel 2:28b, g. 1 Samuel 3:13-14, h. Malachi 2:7NASB, i. 1 Samuel 2:27-36, 1 Kings 2:26, j. Deuteronomy 21:18-21).