1 Sam 2:22 Now Eli was very old, and heard all that his sons did unto all Israel; and how they lay with the women that assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
The sons were having sexual relations with the women at the door. The Lord and even the world expects a high moral standard from priests. When this standard is broken, everyone suffers.
1 Sam 2:23 And he said unto them, Why do ye such things? for I hear of your evil dealings by all this people.
1 Sam 2:24 Nay, my sons; for it is no good report that I hear: ye make the Lord's people to transgress.
He heard and gave a passive response, but did nothing to remove them from their place of authority. Perhaps we cannot always have children that love the Lord, but we can keep them out of positions of authority in the worship place if they sin willfully. They will cause many others to fall if they continue. Eli as high priest should have had them removed. Who knows how many lives were destroyed by their being as priests.
1 Pet 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
1 Pet 4:18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly
John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
1 Sam 2:25 If one man sin against another, the judge shall judge him: but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him? Notwithstanding they hearkened not unto the voice of their father, because the LORD would slay them.
Eli, expressed his disappointment, but was a passive father, allowing the son's to continue. All he did was whine about what they were doing wrong, but he never took the necessary actions to correct the problem. He did warn them that God was not pleased; but if a man sin against the LORD, who shall entreat for him?
The priestly line was by inheritance, but the son's proved unworthy and would be judged by God. interestingly, Samuel was also in the priests house. He had been dedicated by the LORD by his mother Hannah. The LORD has his called ones. We must hear and follow the called of God. Samuel had son's who turned out to be evil as well. LORD help us to follow Jesus personally and to listen to the anointed called of God; those who do not serve other gods.
In Christ Jesus we have Him as our Great High Priest and our advocate. We intercede for our son's and daughters through prayer. We do not give up if one sins who has been born again of God. God will restore them to his service.
1Jn 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1Jn 1:10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
We are accountable to the LORD. Our goal is to be like Jesus; let his light and word be in you. We compare ourselves to Jesus and none other. Let him work through you to edify the church. Fulfill the calling that God has placed on you.
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