520
Patriarchs and Prophets
and Phinehas, ceased to come up to the appointed place of worship.
Thus the service which God had ordained was despised and neglected
because associated with the sins of wicked men, while those whose
hearts were inclined to evil were emboldened in sin. Ungodliness,
profligacy, and even idolatry prevailed to a fearful extent.
Eli had greatly erred in permitting his sons to minister in holy
office. By excusing their course, on one pretext and another, he became
blinded to their sins; but at last they reached a pass where he could
no longer hide his eyes from the crimes of his sons. The people
complained of their violent deeds, and the high priest was grieved
and distressed. He dared remain silent no longer. But his sons had
been brought up to think of no one but themselves, and now they
cared for no one else. They saw the grief of their father, but their
hard hearts were not touched. They heard his mild admonitions, but
they were not impressed, nor would they change their evil course
though warned of the consequences of their sins. Had Eli dealt justly
with his wicked sons, they would have been rejected from the priestly
office and punished with death. Dreading thus to bring public disgrace
and condemnation upon them, he sustained them in the most sacred
positions of trust. He still permitted them to mingle their corruption
with the holy service of God and to inflict upon the cause of truth
an injury which years could not efface. But when the judge of Israel
neglected his work, God took the matter in hand.
“There came a man of God unto Eli, and said unto him, Thus saith
the Lord, Did I plainly appear unto the house of thy father, when they
were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? And did I choose him out of all
the tribes of Israel to be My priest, to offer upon Mine altar, to burn
incense, to wear an ephod before Me? and did I give unto the house
of thy father all the offerings made by fire of the children of Israel?
Wherefore kick ye at My sacrifice and at Mine offering, which I have
commanded in My habitation; and honorest thy sons above Me, to
make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel My
people? Wherefore the Lord God of Israel saith, I said indeed that thy
house, and the house of thy father, should walk before Me forever: but
now the Lord saith, Be it far from Me; for them that honor Me I will
[578]
honor, and they that despise Me shall be lightly esteemed.... And I will
raise Me up a faithful priest, that shall do according to that which is in