Eli

Technical Profile

• Name Meaning: Hebrew ʿĒlî, likely “my God” or “God is high,” reflecting a theophoric name element.
• Period/Era: Divided Kingdom (pre-monarchic transition period, late Judges era).
• Main References: 1 Samuel 1–4.
• Key Connections: Hannah; Samuel; his sons Hophni and Phinehas; the sanctuary at Shiloh and the Ark of the Covenant.

Who was Eli?

Eli was a priest at Shiloh who also functioned as a judge over Israel.
He oversaw worship at the sanctuary where the Ark was kept and interacted with pilgrims.
He recognized Samuel’s call after initially misunderstanding Hannah’s prayer.
His leadership is marked by failure to restrain his sons’ abuses in priestly service.

Key Events & Achievements

• Hannah and Samuel: He blessed Hannah after her vow, and Samuel later served under his oversight at Shiloh (1 Sam. 1–2).
• Prophetic judgment: A “man of God” announced judgment on his house for honoring his sons above the LORD’s offerings (1 Sam. 2:27–36).
• Ark captured: After Israel’s defeat and the Ark’s capture, Eli died upon hearing the news (1 Sam. 4:10–18).

Life Lesson & Legacy

Eli’s account links Israel’s worship leadership to covenant accountability, showing how priestly negligence can shape national and familial outcomes.

Key Verse

"And he said, “It is the LORD. Let him do what seems good to him.”" — 1 Samuel 3:18, ESV