(a) Recount the effects of the behaviour of Eli's children on Israel as a nation ( 11 marks )
(b) What two lessons can be learnt by parents from Eli's attitude? ( 4 marks )
Explanation
(A) THE EFFECTS OF THE BEHAVIOR OF ELI'S CHILDREN (I SAM. 2 : 12-36, 3:2- 18; 4: 10-22)
(i) Eli, a priest of Shiloh had two sons, namely Hophni and Phinehas.
(ii) Hophni and Phinehas treated the Lord's sacrifice with contempt
(iii) They took raw meat instead of boiled meat.
(iv) They also took a greater portion of the meat than they were supposed to take.
(v) Eli's sons had affair with women at the entrance of the tent where the Ark of God was kept.
(vi) Eli failed to stop his children from their sinful acts inspite of Persistent warnings.
(vii) A man of God was sent to Eli to warn him about the children's behavior and its consequences.
(viii) God told Samuel in a vision to pronounce wrath/doom on Eli and his household.
(ix) When Eli was told, he said "it is the Lord let Him do what seems good to Him".
(x) God sent the Philistines to fight Israel and Israel was defeated by Philistia.
(xi) About three thousand Israelites died in the war.
(xii) The Ark of covenant was also captured by the Philistines.
(xiii) The two sons of Eli were also killed.
(xiv) Eli died when he heard that his two sons were dead and the Ark was also captured.
(xv) When Phinehas' wife who was pregnant heard of the dead of her husband and the father-in-law, she gave birth prematurely and later died.
(xvi) The child was called "Ichabod" meaning, the glory has departed from Israel.
(xvii) The priestly position of Eli's family was taken away, and given to Samuel
(B) TWO LESSONS PARENTS CAN LEARN:
(i) Parents should inculcate into their children the fear of God. E.g. bible studies etc.
(ii) Parents should train children to acquire good moral values/ they should be role models.
(iii) Disobedience to Lord's commandments leads to severe punishment.
(vi) Parents should be stern on children who go astray or wayward/they should not be afraid to reprimand their children.
(v) They should take interest in the affairs of their children E.g. relationship pastimes, hobbies, education and aspirations.
(vi) They should reward and encourage good behavior.
(vii) Parents should be good friends of their wards.
