SUMMARY
In an all too relatable tale, priests flout God’s laws, threaten laypeople, steal offerings for themselves, and sexually abuse their co-workers. The framework of Samuel’s rise is set against this violence and corruption.
ANALYSIS
Clergy abuse, sadly, is no less relevant in our day than it was in the time of the Reformation, or even in ancient times. Eli’s sons Hophni and Phinehas abused their position to take whatever parts of the sacrificeSacrifice is commonly understood as the practice of offering or giving up something as a sign of worship, commitment, or obedience. In the Old Testament grain, wine, or animals are used as sacrifice. In some New Testament writings Jesus' death on the cross as the... they wanted, threatening force if people did not comply. Further, their father, Eli, tried to intercede with Hophni and Phinehas to at least stop sexually abusing the women who served at the entrance to the tent of meeting. The wicked priests ignored their father, who was also the high priestThe high priest was the most powerful priest in the temple in Jerusalem. The high priest Caiaphas held the office during the trial of Jesus. Later, in the New Testament book of Hebrews, the role of merciful high priest is ascribed to the resurrected Jesus. at the time, and therefore their supervisor. For Eli’s inability to control his sons and to keep worshippers and religious professionals safe from his sons, God would transfer the priesthood back to Eliezer’s line and cause Hophni, Phinehas, and Eli to die on the same day.
Noting that much of 1 Samuel – 2 Kings is about God pushing back against abuse of royal and religious power is essential for reading these works. At the very beginning of this extended narrative, clergy abuse is explicitly named as an issue that provokes God’s wrath and provokes God’s justice.
