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The book of 1 Samuel is interesting because it transitions from a time of judges into a political and religious monarchy. We get a picture of the time period in which Samuel grew up. The people were functioning during an era where the layperson knew more about God than the priests did. Think about that!
Eli’s sons were called worthless which literally means “sons of Belial.” The Old Testament uses Belial as a personification of evil, but in the New Testament, the phrase is used to describe Satan!
Eli’s sons were supposed to be priests. They were expected to know the laws and rituals that brought people closer to God. However, they took advantage of their authority and used it for selfish gain. They took any part of the meat from sacrifices that they pleased without consecrating it before the Lord. If anyone opposed them, they would take it by force. They also engaged in immoral acts with the women at the tabernacle.
The fascinating thing to consider is that there are many leaders in ministry today doing the same thing. Being puffed up with pride, they use their authority to take advantage of others and serve themselves. We must be careful that we do not slip into the same mindset.
When we begin to go through the motions and lose the personal conviction of a relationship with God, we too are susceptible to such behavior. The sons of Eli were performing the duties of God without a knowledge of God. They had no love for him because their actions proved otherwise. Does this describe you? Are you doing through the motions of religion without experiencing the richness of a relationship with Jesus?