Who was Eli in the Bible?

What does the Bible say about Eli?

Eli, a prominent figure in 1 Samuel, served as the high priest and judge of Israel at the tabernacle in Shiloh. He first appears in the narrative when Hannah, the mother of Samuel, prays at the tabernacle (1Sa.1.9-17). Eli initially misunderstands her prayer but later blesses her. After Samuel's birth, Hannah dedicates him to serve under Eli at the tabernacle (1Sa.1.25-28). However, Eli's sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were wicked and did not follow God's ways (1Sa.2.12-17). Eli failed to restrain their behavior, leading to a prophecy of judgment against his family (1Sa.2.27-36). Eli continued to serve as the high priest and judge, while Samuel grew up in the tabernacle (1Samuel 3). In his old age, Eli received news of Israel's defeat by the Philistines, the capture of the Ark of the Covenant, and the death of his sons. Upon hearing this, Eli fell backward, broke his neck, and died at the age of 98 (1Sa.4.12-18). His death marked the end of an era and the beginning of Samuel's leadership as a prophet and judge.

Where does Eli appear in the Bible?

Eli is referenced in 26 verses. Every passage below is about this one, not just every verse the word turns up in.

• 1 Samuel 1:3
• 1 Samuel 1:9
• 1 Samuel 1:12
• 1 Samuel 1:13
• 1 Samuel 1:17
• 1 Samuel 1:25
• 1 Samuel 2:11
• 1 Samuel 2:12
• 1 Samuel 2:20
• 1 Samuel 2:22
• 1 Samuel 2:27
• 1 Samuel 3:1
• 1 Samuel 3:2
• 1 Samuel 3:5
• 1 Samuel 3:6
• 1 Samuel 3:8
• 1 Samuel 3:12
• 1 Samuel 3:14
• 1 Samuel 3:15
• 1 Samuel 3:16
• 1 Samuel 4:4
• 1 Samuel 4:11
• 1 Samuel 4:13
• 1 Samuel 4:14

What else appears in these passages?

These turn up in the same passages as Eli.