The Sons of ‘Eli and the Call of Samuel
First Samuel 2:12 to 4:1a
This section has two purposes: First, to articulate the legitimacy of Samuel as “the leader” of Isra’el in the crisis to come, and secondly, to discredit the failed leadership of the house of ‘Eli. We have seen in 1:1-28 (to see link click Ah – A Woman’s Prayer is Answered) that Samuel was a special gift from God (to Hannah) and a special gift back to God (from Hannah). The story of Chapters 1-3 wants us to understand that Samuel’s origin and his destiny are directly from ADONAI’s hand and for ADONAI’s purpose. The account of Samuel’s rise to power in 2:12 to 4:1a is no ordinary historical report, but is a witness to how the LORD’s intent in Isra’el is fulfilled. Part of the working out of God’s intent was to eliminate the wicked house of ‘Eli, and call the young Samuel to be the first prophet and the last judge of Isra’el.63 Samuel grew up under the tutelage of an ineffective high priest and his two wicked sons. But YHVH protected Samuel at Shiloh as He protected Joseph in Egypt. The text alternates between the wickedness of the house of ‘Eli and the faithfulness of Samuel.
‘Eli’s Wicked Sons – 2:12-17 (Ar)
The Faithfulness of Samuel and His Parents – 2:18-21 (As)
‘Eli’s Ineffective Rebuke of His Sons – 2:22-26 (At)
God’s Rejection of ‘Eli’s House – 2:27-36 (Au)
Here I Am – 3:1 to 4:1a (Av)
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